New house- lots of beds

I just bought a house this year with lots of mulch beds. I’m very overwhelmed by all the potential places to plant. The beds are mostly mulch and by this point in the summer they are overwhelmed with weeds. I just can’t keep up and I want to come up with a plan for next year to make things easier. How can I fill these beds and with what- to provide green and color but deter weeds. Some beds are full sun and some are all shade. New to gardening but overwhelmed at the amount!