Can I mulch around my shrubs and flowers?

This answer to this question is relative to the area you live in. In the south mulch is rarely used around flowers and shrubs. Instead of mulch, people use bales of pine needles. Generally it is fine to mulch around all flowers and shrubs. Typically you do not want to mulch heavily around flowers. If the mulch is too deep around flowers it can smother and kill them. 

 

Mulch is always fine around shrubs. Depending on the cut of the mulch, not only does it serve as decorative addition to the landscape but it enriches the soil tremendously. Mulch insulates shrubs in the winter and keeps them cool and moist in the summer.