Yes it would its called no dig gardening.

No Pain, No Swearing, No Sweat, No-Dig Garden Beds!
http://www.permaculturevisions.com/no-dig.html

http://www.treehugger.com/green-food/try-no-dig-gardening-for-your-backyard-vegetables.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No-dig_gardening

Thank-you so much for your links! They answered many of my questions BUT I am still left with this question....suppose I've covered my patch w/cardboard, mulch (wood chips), grass clippings and veggie peels/coffee grounds etc. this fall. Could I then sprinkle something like Ascelepias sp. on top of the mulch mix immediately w/out waiting for any decomposition, leave it over the winter and have successful germination OR would it be premature? I thought it might work because at the very least I am slowing down grass and weeds in spring and giving my Asclepias seedlings an edge :?