Question
Hi...thanks for this site...i have a huge problem with deer...we have enclosed a decent size area with six feet fence....we have five six feet by 24 feet beds..i will have one for vegetables, one for zinnias and the other three ??????? i'm looking for cutting flowers, does this make sense and should a plant in rows, would that look silly or should a make a "garden" effect.....we've done all the preparatory work...now just to plant!!! of course i want to have perrenials, just not sure how to arrange these beds...thanks for any help...m

Answer
Hey, Margaret.

You didn't tell me what area of the country you're in, so it's difficult to provide specific help.

I take it the fence has solved your deer problem. There are plants that are claimed to deter deer, but I've never had a problem with deer in the areas where I've lived, so I'd have to do further research on that issue. Let me know if you'd like additional information there.

Generally raised flower beds are created to make it easier to garden when the soil is not right, e.g., too sandy, too much clay, poor drainage, high water table, etc. For example, roses in some areas of the country are planted in raised gardens.

Some people will tell you that planting in rows looks "silly" or artificial. However, I would submit that the very act of creating raised flower beds is artificial. I'm also one who says that your garden should make you happy. It should make you want to go out and sit in the midst of the plants and read a book, listen to the birds sing, listen to the wind, and simply enjoy being outside. A garden that doesn't encourage you to visit it is not a garden. I've never had a "professional" gardener say anything nice about my gardens other than "you have a lot of plants." When I see something I like, I'll buy it, plant it, take care of it, and enjoy it. Of course, I live in San Diego which has the weather to make that possible. Consequently, my gardens look like arboretums, but they get me out of the house and out with nature. I think that's the purpose of a garden. So if it is easier for you to plant in rows, go for it. If you want to create little micro-gardens, do it. A micro-garden would be a small section that is planted to resemble a desert, or a water garden, or a bog garden, or a tropical garden, or whatever. As you plant, care for, and enjoy, you'll discover things that you like, things that you don't like, and things that you'll do over. That's part of the fun of gardening.

If you don't want to experiment (and without knowing where you live), visit your local garden center, college and high school campuses, etc., and see what the "professional" gardeners are doing and whether or not you like it. Also drive the streets in your neighborhood (or any neighborhood) and pay attention to what attracts your attention. You don't have to copy everything that someone else does (also known as "keeping up with the Joneses") but the fact is that what works at a neighbor's house will probably work at your house, while giving you the opportunity to provide your own special touch. And don't forget that the purpose of a garden is to enjoy nature梩here are no hard and fast rules to gardening梥o don't let someone else talk you into doing something that pleases them rather than you.