Bamboo leaf mulch

Bamboo replaces it's leaves throughout the year - new leaves emerge to take the place of last years growth, and as the year goes on more leaf litter will accumulate at the base on the bamboo. Bamboo leaf litter is not only an excellent mulch, discouraging weeds and keeping the soil cooler in the summer months, but its also full of goodness. Left alone these old leaves complete a fantastically efficient recycling process, returning to the grateful bamboo nutrients silica and other trace elements.
It's really very clever!