"Mulching" (or "mulch") is an agricultural and gardening technique that consists of covering the surface of the soil with a layer of organic or inorganic material, such as straw, tree bark or pruning remains.

Yes. I used logs and limbs as base and kept piling up dried leaves and grass clippings to mound it up. I think people call it Hügelkultur or lasagna beds etc. I like it because I am just using yard waste and can make as many beds as I want

They are pumpkins...