can I add bark mulch to flower bed
Hi folks I have planted a new flower bed a few weeks ago with 3 shrubs and loads of plants,I 
was thinking about layering decorative bark over the beds,but wondered is that advisable with new plants,as it occured to me that the bark might soak up all the rain when the new growing plants need it sooner to grow
was thinking about layering decorative bark over the beds,but wondered is that advisable with new plants,as it occured to me that the bark might soak up all the rain when the new growing plants need it sooner to grow 0
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It will depend on your general climate where you are too. Here, I can put bark on at any time as the rain is hefty, and regular enough, to get through any mulch to the soil below.
Have not used bark, but wonder @Fairygirl , would it interfere with annuals self-sowing, and does it get in the way of bulbs coming up?
Ahh thanks that's kind,my next project is my grass that borders that bed,it's shabby but should be looking nice by next year.
With annuals, some will self seed in and around the bark itself, but it would depend on the type of annual. Many like poor soil, so the conditions might be too rich in some borders, and many are better sown in pots or trays, and then planted out when bigger.
The only drawback of the bark will be that it can get thrown around by birds searching for insects etc under it, so you may need a small retaining edge to keep it in place, or just go out with a brush now and again