@LuGar : news papers are wonderful used in flower beds . Prior to mulching get rid of all the weeds you can . Then rake it level as you can & spread news papers about 3 sheets thick . Then put mulch over the top . This works much better than the black stuff you can purchase & put down . Keeps the ground cool in really hot weather & no weeds . Are at least the ones that grow out of the mulch are very easy to pull .