Hi Sandy--Don't know if this will help you, but I often put down some newspaper and put grass clippings on top, keeping everything away from the stems. Earthworms love it. Don't know if it will break down rapidly enough for you but it works for me.

Thanks BG,

I have plenty of both of those so will see how it works. I used shredded newspapers to mulch my tomatoes this year as I couldn't locate straw, and it seems to be working for them.

I've used hardwood mulch(never dyed) on many of my bfly plants. It holds up well and does its job. I get it for $17 a yard(I think) at a local nursery. It's enough to fill our truck bed.

If you are looking for something that breaks down rapidly and is of rapid value to the soil, then you should find a source for some compost.