What is the best mulch or other product to put on my new flowerbed?

bark looks terrific.

I love the look of pine needles. If you want them to last a bit longer, place cardboard or newspaper under them. Use potted plants to fill in the voids while you wait for the flowers to fill them.

There are lots of options, I have cedar bark, stone and gravel depending on the area and location. Here are some great links on how to find what is best for your flowers and your yard.

http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/outdoors/landscaping/how-to-choose-mulch-for-your-landscape-pictures

https://www.thespruce.com/mulch-types-for-flowerbeds-1315846

http://www.hgtv.com/design/outdoor-design/landscaping-and-hardscaping/beds-and-mulch/10-mulch-dos-and-donts

http://www.dummies.com/home-garden/gardening/flower-gardening/how-to-choose-mulch-for-your-flower-garden/

We use cedar chips or cypress chips, both are bug resistant, that is why we used them, also you can get them in several shades, we use the ones that are brick colored as they match our other decor outside. Hope this helps.

There is a rubber mulch you can get in varied colors that will last a lot longer than a natural mulch (just providing you with an alternative)