For the most part, we have the mixed blessing/curse of sugar sand. Which makes it really easy to dig out sand to create raised bed. So, I might dig out 6" then put in a 4" edge and have a 10" 'raised' bed. Plus, as permanent plantings grow in; I have sneaky plans to raise the height of the current beds. I guess it is time to go get some current shots. But, this will give some ideas for what I have done so far. Tis all a learning experience, but even in my 'hood there have been no complaints about veggies in the front yard. Heck, most of the people don't realize the garden is a veggie garden. The best advice I can give you is - don't plant in rows or squares. Mix it up. Though, I do have to say it makes planning a challenge. To the lower left, you can see one of my new beds where I am experimenting with tiers, to allow me to get more depth in parts of the garden. On the left, you can see the other section of the new bed. It is still marinating and is currently holding pots. I am planting a perennial border around the bed, and once it has taken on good growth then I will raise this bed another 6". In the background center you can see a raised bed created with large field stone. Here is an older picture that shows a bit more of the overall form. I try to avoid square/rectangular boxes. I do have them, but then they have outer areas that are bordered with 'sexy curves'. Or meandering pathways. I would love to be able to do all our raised beds in stone, or something more architecturally interesting. Not in the cards for us right now, so I am working to grow visually pleasing plants on the borders. I have tried to place my 'bones' of the garden so there will be something pleasing to see even when no edibles are present. Bones can be hardscape, paths, perennials. I am working on having edges be mostly flowering annuals, bulbs or something with interesting borderish color. Then for the edibles, mix it up. And let stuff bolt; the flowers and seed pods add interest to the garden. I think. I'm still learning a lot myself. Experiment and see what works. Having a planting plan and plants growing up to go in harvested spots is my current challenge. Lack of full sun gardening spots is only part of my challenge. The other is funky mobility. So, I have wide paths and I have as many things I can spread around to grab hold of for balance and to lean my crutches against. It all works to add to the cottage'ie feel of the veggie garden though ... at least I tell myself. ~dianne

Are we done with the gang mentality? I guess I should have put a smiley face after my comment to botann :) ... Admittedly, a mischievous sense of humour did not translate in that post. My point being that I am aware bamboo doesn't grow "in" water and was struck (again) by how some regular members assume most non-regular posters are novice beginners. But since some took the time to formally announce that I will henceforth be ignored, let me ask the following. Why is anyone who is perceived as challenging or disrupting the "regulars" (even on only one or two occasions) immediately labelled a troll or accused of being "fueled by totally opposite considerations"? I have made dozens of posts on this and other forums because of a genuine shared interest I have in those subjects matters. I have on occasion agreed with the oft-expressed opinion that there is a sense of exclusivity among certain regular posters on this forum, and yet this single post is cited as evidence by George and Ink of an enemy in your midst. Actually my goal is more on promoting Japanese Gardens, and encouraging that interest in others - which is why I suggested Flickr to "adopted". It is inspirational to look through the photos on that site. My original post was nothing but complimentary, supportive and encouraging. That said, I do happen to believe that all should be welcome, that this is not the place for a private social club and I believe I am entitled to that opinion. Isn't this is a public space were people of all stages of interest share information? I don't think it's solely a place were a handful of regular posters should have private debates intended for their own amusement. That leads to the gang mentality witnessed above, whereupon internet cliques form and occasional posters, lurkers or "drop-ins" are made to feel like unwelcome outsiders. Just because someone is not a member of the frequent posters club, why under-estimate their knowledge level? Maybe if all queries are answered as though the posters experience is similar to yours, and not 'talked down' to or ignored, it will be a more enjoyable and educational forum for all. So if some of you have hopes of driving me (like others before me) off the forum, so be it. The fact that you attempt to do this, only speaks to the kind of power/control issues at work here (I disagreed with Inkognito on one single occasion, and he now vocally labels me a troublemaker - fragile ego indeed). No single group owns this forum. Anyone is entitled to visit and occasionally I will post - usually in a supportive and encouraging role. I have learned from some of you, and will continue to do so. However, I promise not to ask any more questions of botann for fear I will get another introductory lesson on the rudimentary basics of bamboo. But as I said, it was a very nice pic. He (or she) has got a lovely garden.

Goodness, you do have the iris addiction bad. Next week I'll be stopping by an iris farm (which sells a ton of other goodies too) and hope to maybe see a rebloomer or 2 in bloom. Rebloomers are a new passion of mine. The farm only lists them as rebloomers if they have reliably rebloomed for them since all rebloomers don't rebloom in all zones/areas. Have fun! Sue

Thanks Brissy for making me jealous especially when you mention the 'return trip'. I'd love to get over there just once! Enjoy yourself and we would love to see some decent pics. Can't recommend any sites as I haven't been there before however noticed this on the computer. France is Europe's up-and-coming country for gardens with some 800 to visit on Michael's list, and new ones are added weekly. Suggestions for the Northern part of France are the Bagatelle Gardens in Paris which contain good collections of irises and roses, the Floating Gardens of Amiens which can only be approached by water (there is a boat service), and the world renowned gardens of Claude Monet at Giverney. The French Riviera is studded with gardens created to accommodate its sub-tropical flora. Suggestions are the Rothschild's Villa Ephrussi, the gardens of La Mortolla which, in fact, in Italy, but only five minutes drive from the frontier at Menton. An American sculptor, Henry Clews, together with his wife Mary, created the gardens at the Château of La Napoule, and are well worth a visit. Also for botanical interest there is the 800 Corkscrew Beech Tree's of Verzy that would be well worth a look in the north east of France. Also Generosa range of roses (Guillot)come from over there somewhere in France and would be very interesting to see how they go over there and future types to be introduced here. So much to see I think you may be glad to get home by the end of it but I'm still jealous.... Garry