Did you know that wool (and mohair) can be used as mulch? Now available at Withers Wool are bags of wool/mohair (from sheared fiber not appropriate to be processed for roving or yarn) that can be used as mulch and potting compost. As this breaks down it releases beneficial nitrogen into the soil; it also retains moisture. You can use this in a hole where a plant is being placed and on the top around the plant. This will assist with weed suppression, water retention and pest control. We have used it around our plants and it works great. Our observation is that it takes about a year+ to decompose so you can put it down in the Spring and then renew it a year later; or if some wool is still left, just continue to use it. One tip: use wool with perennials and transplants, not in areas where you will directly sow seeds.
PS It also looks good and can add some other color to your area.
Wool/Mohair mulch around Holly bush