"lbbs" lbbs @dadffo.ca wrote in message
...
btw: I want to use red wood much.

Bark type mulches are not ideal for a perennial bed - compost mulches are
much better. Mulches that are comprised primarily of wood products tend to
deprive the surface soil of nitrogen which can affect the growth of
perennials (much less of an issue with woody plants). Any type of good
organic, medium textured mulch will help to supress weeds as well as retain
soil moisture and reduce temperature fluctuations. It is no problem to allow
leaves to remain on the bed during the winter - they should break down
considerably during that period, adding to the soil fertility, and what
remains in spring can be cleared away when you do your annual clean up. The
perennials will poke easily through a layer of mulch (or leaves - actually a
valuable mulch in their own right) when they emerge in spring but it is best
not to pile the mulch over the immediate crowns of some, like peonies and
hellebores - it can contribute to rot and fungal diseases.

btw, an annual organic mulch is a good idea for ANY planting area - trees
and shrubs, a perennial border or even a vegetable garden.

pam - gardengal




"lbbs" lbbs @dadffo.ca wrote in message
...
We have lots of perennial flowers in our flower bed. (12 different
varieties or so- including bushes and roses, 15'x6' aprox garden) My
wife
was thinking of putting mulch between the flowers so the weeds would not
grow (easier maintenance). I was not sure if that would be a good
idea
for two reasons. 1. when the leave accumulate in the fall time in
our
flower bed, it will be difficult to get rid of them (hard to get a rake
in
there). With dirt flower bet, what ever you can't rake out, it will
decompose with the rest of the dirt. And if you leave them in with the
mulch, seeds will start growing there next year. 2. will perennial
flowers be able to poke through the mulch every spring time? I always
thought that mulch is more ideal it you have a simple flower bed or
around
a
tree truck. what do yo think? thanks