It was time to mulch all our happy little bushes (all five million of them) to help retain moisture and provide insulation through the cooler months, even though the temperature is still hovering around 65°F here.

Mulching is good for the plants and for your back: a proper layer of mulch greatly reduces the time you spend weeding by blocking light and suppressing weed growth naturally, without pesticides.
Beyond its practical benefits, mulch seems to have a charming side effect — it attracts small, sleepy companions with big ears:

We’re never really surprised to find a snoozing chihuahua tucked into our freshly mulched beds.

Yard work can really tuck you out, and a warm, soft bed of mulch looks pretty inviting after a long day of gardening.