"Neil" wrote in message
Again, the idea is low maintenance. Removing all the fallen leaves is
hard enough, having to lay down 9000 sq ft of mulch is just too much.

Ahh, there's a partial solution for you.....stop removing the leaves!! They
constitute a free mulch that applies itself, and breaks down to nourish all
your plantings. They will give your strip even more of an authentic
woodland look. If you are wedded to the way the bark mulch looks, you can
add a thin layer on top in the spring--you won't need nearly as much, as you
are just topping up the leaf mulch.

Have you considered planting drifts of pachysandra? Once you get a few
patches established, in future years you can take cuttings or pull out bits
to use to expand your ground cover area. It is very tolerant of shade, in
fact requires it, and the fallen leaves settle down in between the plants
very nicely. An established patch does not require any further mulch. I
don't have deer, though, so I don't know if they like it.

Sue

Zone 6, Southcentral PA