So when Spring came (2009) we noticed that the backend of the backyard was getting over run by weeds. The easy option was to regularly run the lawn mower over it (as my neighbours do). But I noticed that this doesn't look as good as I would like (remember back then I was itching to do some gardening having never owned a backyard before). So, instead we decided we are going to clear away all the weeds and create a mulch covered flowerbed (with the intent that we will plant some perennials either this season or next year).

Lessons Learned

1. Removing weeds is a pain
   

2. Do not cheap out. Use the Weed Fabric as indicated (Overlap at least 6 inches). Since our flowerbed wasn't the same width there was a small portion which was not covered by the weed protector. 3 months after this project was finished I have a weed problem again in areas not covered by the fabric.
   

3. Mulch might not be a good idea. Yes it seems that it will require less work in the future but you would be surprised. The pine trees behind the flowerbed shed a lot of leaves and pine needles. Cleaning them out is a pain. Cant really use a rake since that takes a lot of mulch away.