Question
 Hi Larry
I have been using cyprus mulch on my flower beds for years. Yesterday I got a real bargin on cocoa bean shells. The bags had no info re use. Then I realized that I had used the cocoa shells years ago and as I recall, it was a mess. I recall that they matted up and molded. Do you have any info. re advantages/disadvantages of cocoa shell , where it can be used or not used, etc.?
Thanks in advance for your reply. I appreciate the help.

Bill Bollaert  

Answer
hi Bill
cocoa shells are nice to have, very decoritive and smell nice.  You should sprinkle on lightly and they will accent your bed nicely. although they can tend to be a little messy i would use them in a heartbeat. they allow greater access for watering and feeding and they decompose faster than other mulches.  Good Luck  Larry  ;-)