I've seen some lovely gardens around my neighborhood that are just what you describe.

Rather than landscaping fabric I would recommend that you put down several layers of newspaper. I take a whole section of newspaper and open it up and overlap different sections so that things can't grow through it. Cardboard works fine, too. You might want to wet the newspaper so it will stay put while you are putting the soil on top of it.

I prefer newspaper to landscaping fabric because the newspaper will eventually break down, enriching your soil. I've fought too much removing old landscaping fabric to recommend using it.

Katia

Look up "Lasagna Gardening" a full explanation is given. Rai

Good advice about the newspaper. Put the soil right on top. I've done this several times. It works well.

I also recommend the newspaper, I made a couple raised beds, one for raspberries the other for strawberries last year. Put the beds over the grass, laid a few layers of newspaper then about 6" of dirt, no problem with the grass.

Also use newspaper then straw on top for the paths in the garden, works great to keep the weeds down.

I keep the newspapers during the winter and have plenty.

Good luck,
Brent