I have been remulching my gardens and taking the old mulch mostly out and putting it for compost .I noticed people here and other places that keep adding mulch on top of mulch and that is not so great for the plants .I learned a long time ago that yes mulch breaks down but also sucks nutrients out of the soil .I always fertilize the garden after I take the old mulch out and put the new mulch in .The composted mulch breaks down faster if you add garden lyme to it and then after you can add it back as compost .Also if you drink coffee the grounds from the coffee is great to help mulch break down .I never put down landscape fabric either as it hinders the water from getting through the mulch more than you realize .Try pouring water on it and see how it runs through ,not ver well.Double ground mulch if your garden is prone to wash out or on a hill or even around your pond is not the est as it does not lock together . Next time try the rougher hardwood mulch it is cheaper and locks together much better ,especially on hills .The double ground may look prettier but is it worth the extra work