So you are thinking to set your plants on top of the fabric, in the mulch? I can’t imagine that would work. Unless you put them in pots of dirt set in the mulch - fairly good sized pots with a diameter of at least 12 inches or so. You’d have to keep an eye on them for watering, like maybe watering every day.

Putting down the landscape fabric was likely a major mistake. It really is not very good for suppressing weed development at all; weeds that do pop up are often harder to remove; and it impedes the healthy growth of the plants surrounded by it by restricting water penetration and oxygen exchange. And once there and in place, it is a bear to work around!! I know of no landscaping professionals or many serious gardeners that advocate its usage

And no, the annuals will not flourish planted in just a typical wood based mulch. Compost maybe, but not bark or wood chips.

I’ve heard some recommend a thick layer of newspaper or cardboard instead. What do you think about that? The fabric wasn’t a big expense so I can always switch it up next year. I’m new to gardening for sure.

Thank you both for the tips!