Question
Hello, I have a small yard and also live in a HOA with a bunch of neighbors who complain on their neighbors constantly.  If I do any thing that irritates a neighbor in any way the HOA may make me remove whatever it is that I do.  My family recently went completely organic and it isn't exactly cheep on the wallet.  With all this being said, I would like to grow a small veg. and herb garden to help with some things that are quite expensive in the organic world, like peppers and tomatoes.  I know there will be a complaint if I just make a separate garden in my yard, so I would like to combine this garden with flowers and such so it isn't as noticeable as a veg garden.  I have already removed old soil about three feet deep and have organic soil to replace it with, and I was wandering if that is deep enough? Also, because i will be planting flowers there too, I was wandering if they should be nonpoisonous species.  For instance I have a hardy oleander which I love and think would be beautiful in the garden, but I understand it is poisonous and wonder if any poison could leech from it to the edibles?  I thank you so much for you time and any info. that you can provide me. Thanks again, Angela

Answer
Dear Angela,
Although I don't have flowers with my veges, there is wild trumpet vine very near my vegetable garden and I've never had a problem with it affecting the edibles.  Just a note on the side.  Marigolds tend to keep small nibblers out the garden.  As far as herbs go, I would recommend that you not put mint or lemon balm in your garden spot.  They spread like wild fire and will choke everything else.  If you want those two herbs, which are wonderful, I'd recommend a separate garden place or flower pots.
I wish you well and much success.
Kind Regards,
Kindred
www.eingedi.us