You know, when I had a very small patch of soil, I still grew edibles like tomatoes, lettuce and chard between the ornamentals. Some ornamentals are great companion plants e.g. Rose's and strawberries. The Husband was amazed at what I grew in a patch about 5m square. It's only since we've been in McGregor and bought the adjacent plot that we've really had space. Actually, I should find some photos of our tiny veggie patch in Cape Town