If the paper isn't rotted yes you dig through it to plant and clay soil is good because it binds nutrients.

Here is a link that might be useful: Propagating Perennials

I think the more pressing issue here is that you've been stuck in a hose for 4 years. Once you've rectified that problem, you'll be amazed at how much easier it will be to plant shrubs.

I am so sorry.

There's either some time elements or steps missing here. Are you wanting to start out to create planting areas by using the "lasagna" method without waiting for the materials to break down some before planting? Trying to kill existing lawn by piling materials over it so you can eventually (or immediately) plant your shrubs?

The expert lasagna and composting people need to weigh in since I think your success depends on more than an immediate pile and plant.

so you are planting shrubs in a previous lawn area? if so you can dig the hole install your shrub, water it in, then cover ground right up to the stem with brown card board or many sheets of newsprint, add mulch.

I think thefarmguy has the right idea for what you want to do. Although, I wouldn't put the cardboard right up to the stem, but leave 3" or so around it.

After you plant the shrub, water the whole area VERY WELL before you lay down the cardboard and mulch. Don't water just the one spot and then cover the area, as any dry areas around it will suck the moisture from the soil around the plant(s). Once the soil is moist, the cardboard and mulch will shade the soil and help maintain moisture levels.

Sue

Yes, I have lawn that I want to create into a bed. I would like to create a bed now, as well as prepare another area for a bed for next spring.

Does this help more?

So it sounds as if you want to create some lasagna beds for planting shrubs, correct? If so then take thick layers of newspaper and put it on the grass. Cover it with soil, add mulch and then plant is a start but just a start. ;) These beds are quite several feet thick (deep) so when done properly you'd never get down to the paper level even with shrubs.

So rather than a garden, what you would be creating is a landscaped mound also called a berm. This mound is composed of multiple layers of components (newspapers, leaves, grass clippings, manures, compost, dirt, etc.) stacked on top of each other just as one makes lasagna. Then you plant in it and mulch the top.

There is tons of info here on building lasagna beds and many websites on the net with step-by-step photos too. I have linked one of them below to get you started.

Good luck!

Dave

Here is a link that might be useful: Lasagna Gardening 101

"In a nutshell, take thick layers of newspaper and put it on the grass" It does not take "thick" layers of newspaper, 4 to 6 pages, sheets, have always worked really well for me.
"Cover it with soil, add mulch and then plant" Do not cover the paper with soil, just a mulch, shredded leaves, wood chips, etc.
"how would I plant shrubs if I need to dig a hole through the paper" The best way is to plant the shrubs first and then mulch, but if the 4 to 6 pages of paper are used digging through will not really be a problem, but then too it will depend on when you plant the shrubs after laying down the mulch. If you wait a year after mulching the paper will be mostly gone, digested by the soil bacteria.