[snip]
Option 1
Plant the flowers such as dahlias, marigolds and geraniums.

Add mulch around the bed to minimize weed growth.

(I've done that in the past and found that over time some of the mulch
spreads and thins out and weeds still manage to pop through.)

Option 2
Lay a sheet of weed stopper on top of the soil and then cut holes to
plant the flowers. (I guess I could simply put down newspaper and save a
few dollars.)

Afterwards, add mulch to hide weed stopper material.

Even though I might use a roll of the 10 year weed wall material I would
have to remove it in the Fall because I have tulip bulbs planted for the
next Spring.

Would rather not have to put the weed stopper material on the garden, but
really don't want to spend time weeding again either. Anything I could
do beside just adding the mulch to prevent the weeds from popping
through?
There's nothing you can do that will let you plant now and keep hands off
from weed control for the year. Mulch is your friend. Weed stop material
is not going to keep weeds out of your garden -- they'll just root above
the material, such as in the mulch around the plants.

Prep the soil, plant, add mulch -- 3-4" minimum, then take care of the
occasional weed that starts up and also add new mulch when the old starts
to deteriorate. This means using a lot more mulch than you would think.

Rather than keep buying bags of mulch I -- (a) Talk to local tree
trimmers, power company, etc., and have them leave their wood chips on my
property. They benefit from not having to take it to a landfill, nor do
they have to pay the landfill fee. I get free mulch. It usually takes me
a couple of months to get around to using all that they've left, and by
that timeit has already composted slightly. or

(b) When necessary, buy it in bulk from a local nursery and have it
delivered. It's a little harder to spread when it doesn't come in bags,
but a lot less expensive for the amount of mulch I buy.

No matter what path you choose, you're going to have to occasionally weed
around the plants you want in your garden, but if it's well mulched the
weeds will be fewer and a lot easier to pull out.

I'd like to thank everyone for the weed tips and Ingrid for the flower info.
Didn't realize most tulips should be dug out every other year. Will do that
before I start planting.

I also wasn't aware of alfalfa being used in the garden. I would imagine
this is sold at the nursery or a local farm supply type store.

I've decided on the following course of action.
1. Remove tulip bulbs and either replant later or buy new ones in the Fall.
2. Make a few phone calls to find out where I can buy some alfalfa and buy
a bale.
3. Plant flowers.
4. Put down some newspaper.
5. Spread 3 inches or more of mulch and possibly mix with alfalfa.
6. Hoe out weeds from time to time rather than pulling.

I already bought mulch, but may look into buying mulch from tree trimming
company next year. Or, buy in bulk from a local nursery.

Thanks again for all your help.
Charlie S.

PS. Will most likely post again in the Fall. Will need advice about cutting
down towering trees that are growing close to the house.