Bark - is especially useful for preventing competitive weed and grass growth in island beds; any young weeds that do appear through it are easily removed with a hoe. It is sold in three grades; coarse, medium and large. Each is equally effective as a mulch but differs in ornamental appearance and the speed at which it breaks down in the soil.
Path with gravel - lay a fibre membrane where the path is to be sited and cover it with a 5cm (2in) gravel layer. The membrane will act as an underground mulch, stopping weeds from growing, so a hardcore layer under the gravel can be omitted, thus reducing costs.

Leaf-mould is made of leaves that have rotted down over time, and makes a fantastic free garden conditioner. So, when you're sweeping up all those autumn leaves, don't look on it as a chore, but as a real benefit for your garden.