Abstract: A flexible, opaque mulch carpet for inhibiting weed growth while promoting plant growth has a central backing layer of non-rotting, synthetic, open mesh, fabric of relatively high tensile strength sandwiched between an upper layer and a lower layer formed of ground bark particles unified by, and each encapsulated in, a resin binder, preferably PVC. The thin coating of resin binder on the particles bonds the particles together, and bonds the layers together through the mesh, but the particles are uncompressed and water can percolate through the interstices between the coated particles. Iron oxide in the mix makes fast the color of the particles.