Using Wood Shavings in the Garden

I have lots of white cedar shavings from making lures. Can I use these as mulch in my flower gardens?

Wood shavings, chips and sawdust all temporarily tie up the nitrogen in the soil making it unavailable to the plants. Once the micro organisms break down the wood products the nitrogen they used and more is released into the soil. I prefer to use these products for paths or mulching established trees and shrubs. These plants have an extensive root system that can usually tolerate the short term nitrogen deficiency. If you use these products watch for signs of nitrogen deficiencies. Stunted, yellow leaves and poor productivity are signs of nitrogen deficiencies. Add a low nitrogen slow release nitrogen fertilizer to help plants showing signs of nutrient deficiency.