When placing mulch (bark mulch is best) around and over the planting bags in the beds, it is important to first stuff the top of each bag gently with the mulch material. This will press the underlying soil mix down slightly, and also firmly hold the sides of the bags open. This will prevent the sides of the bags from being flattened out when additional mulch is thrown over top to fill the voids. It is important that the bags are completely covered .
Note: This is a bed of red-osier dogwood cuttings in 1-gallon planting bags. This shade tolerant species can be planted at a higher density.
Note also that no landscape fabric is used under the plants here. This is because there is no problem with weeds here.