The idea behind using or not using newspaper or cardboard is more about whether or not you are building your bed on existing soil of reasonable fertility that has existing weeds or grass or seeds thereof. If so, then one way to suppress weed growth from those existing sources, up through a usual 2-3" layer of mulch, is to put down a thick layer of the paper or cardboard as a temporary extra barrier. Then later on, you deal primarly with weeds that sprout from seeds in, or blown or dropped onto, the mulch layer. So you can still use this process with a "permanent, ornamental" landscape at the beginning of creating the area, and also as an adjunct weed block around individual shrubs under a fresh layer of mulch. If you are digging up gravel, and the surface on which you are going to create your new planting bed is rather inhospitable, as in the subsoil layer or a rocky layer, then there's much less rationale for putting a layer of paper under whatever--mulch or garden soil--although in theory weed seeds could land there if the area remains exposed a long time, and then be ready to sprout after you apply organic matter and H20.

You'll find many previous discussions here on its use if you want to review them. Make sure it is one of the permeable landscape fabrics, not solid black plastic. I use it for early spring soil warming but yes, even in my zone, it can get too hot once summer arrives. That is why, once the summer heat arrives, you have to reverse its warming use by covering it with something to block the direct sun exposure. Once soil temp reaches 70-75 degrees I use several inches of hay to cover it. It then keeps the soil cooler. It keeps the weeds down well and conserves soil moisture throughout the gardening year. And, if you are using soaker hoses or drip irrigation, make sure it is UNDER the weed block, not on top. Dave PS: in your zone, if just weed control is your goal, you can accomplish the same thing by using several inches of any good organic mulch like straw or hay and wouldn't need the plastic. Saves $$$

Hard to tell from the picture, but check out Houttynia cordata. Looks similar, but I may be wrong. If my guess is correct allow it to grow, use herbicide - then allow it to re-grow, use herbicide - keep repeating. A plant that should not be allowed. hortster

Vinegar, Acetic Acid, will kill plants when sprayed on them. I have seen instructions that say to dilute the Vinegar with water but that is not necessary, and which Vinegar (that meant to be put on a salad or pickling) can make a difference since 3 to 5 percent Acetic Acid is not nearly as good as 20 percent Acetic Acid. However, the Vinegar kills only top growth so the plants roots could send up new growth that will need to be sprayed again. There is nothing that will prevent Mother Nature from trying to grow plants where there are none since she feels bare ground is not good.