For clarity, I am planning to add compost in late fall, right before I dig out the dead annuals. Not sure if doing double duty compost will help the soil any ~faster~

the worms have been adding compost all winter long, munching on the lower mulch layer. and any perennial bed has a stable biology because of live roots being continuously present. you don't need anything.

THx. This area is a new bed that was pure muck below, and the upper 1" was pure ~dead soil~. It was a huge swath of iris rhizomes that literally formed a rhizomish net ontop of the soil. I swear, after I cleared it out, the top 1" was dry as hell and it's as it the top layer was just one large mass of roots that water was somewhat impermeable. I used my auger bulb on a drill and made a much of holes before I turned the soil over.

Last year, was the 1st year I amended the heck out of it, added 200 bulbs and was praying for the best, knowing the soil needed some TLC for the next coming years.

Mulch/compost helps a plenty o_v_e_r time. I've had areas that would be swampy after heavy rains. The water perch table is still pretty high when it rains hard, but no standing water is ever observed in these areas.

You can leave the mulch in place. The tulips will come up through it. In due course you can mulch with compost if you wish. Just put it on top. There's no need to be constantly moving the mulch on and off the bed.

I agree with floral, no need to move mulch but since it's off, it's a good time to add some compost. Not too deep. Clay soil needs all the help it can get for awhile. Eventually when it gets better you can reduce to once a year compost or degradable mulch (shredded leaves or yard waste, etc.) for maintenance.

Soil. So odd in so many ways. I'm slowly remembering th blueprint of the soil in the garden. Literally 10 feet over, the other bed is just perfect. Nice tilthy soil. Drains well. Can literally scoop it out with my hands.