Last year there were flowers to the left in this bed and tomatoes to the right. The Swiss Chard has grown here for a couple of years. It was pretty scrawny last year but this spring it came back like gangbusters. I had some for dinner tonight and have some in the fridge to add to some soup tomorrow. I cut a few leaves at a time and let the root stock keep producing. I get the impression people sometimes pull up the real tender plants, like spinach, but that seems a waste of time. These plants are so hardy, I've had chard produce for several years and when we've had mild winters I've put it on the table year round.

This is my front yard, by the way. The soil that is easiest to work is out there, probably because the builders put better top soil in the front yard and just plow the dirt flat (rebar and nails and all in it) in the back. Since the front yard is easier to work in and I'm an opportunist, I have a mix of flowers and veggies. I usually have some peppers and tomatoes mixed in the beds. I might poke something in the iris bed this year. The iris won't care if they're the understory for a while. It's amazing how many people walk past every day and never notice what is growing out there. I have a neighbor who grows her cantaloupe in her front yard.

SRS