In my beds I have like a 1-2” layer of bark mulch. I want to add some compost to the beds (which have perennials in them). Would it be a bad idea to just put the compost right on top of the bark mulch? or should i rake back the bark , add compost, and put the bark back?

or can I incorporate the bark into the existing soil with the new compost? Or is that a bad idea

How close can I get to perennials when i incorporate the compost without damaging them.

All these Qs have doubtless been asked before, so maybe someone can link a good previous discussion