An obvious garden dillema?

[Jamie L]

I have created new borders. I see on all the plant labels that you mulch them in spring. But you can mulch anytime of year surely?? I know not to put on base of plants. But then i thought if i mulch after ive put in my new spring bulbs, id protect all my new shrubs, bulbs and perennials from the frost ( as i read mulch in winter is a good thing). But surely if i do i'd kill all my spring bulbs and perennials because when they first pop out they will touch the mulch and die? I'm really confused.