up north we always used hardwood mulch; it faded but stayed put, and had to be re-applied each year.......and the plants loved growing in it. i hve had the same good results here; it needs re-application as it decomposes, but it allows moisture through it, and the few weeds that germinate are easily pulled out. and the plants love it. if i wanted a total no-work at all ever yard then i would be up in some multi-story building with no yard at all.
so, that's my input.