Good article, thanks for sharing Mike,
Like you hinted at with knowing your plants? Also, mature adult plant sizes matter too. - Size generally matters later. Get perspectives and plans right and straight when setting up.
Also, what exactly does small mean? 10'x10' or 30'x40'? Jane and Tarzan may have discussed a small garden? Jane may have planted her a small garden that turned into Tarzan's jungle later on? It happens!
