What’s the best mulch for a lot of sqft of gardens?

Cypress. Or some sort of wood chip.

I would use straw bales anyway though.

I use pine straw as well and wish it retained its color but I’m not changing as I don’t think there is a better mulch for my application. There is dyed pine straw that can be purchased and supposedly retains its color longer but I’ve not used it nor do I know it’s price.