The small boxed beds, are more for looks than anything. The fruit trees were planted for years, and the boxes added later. The true roots are not actually in the boxes. I do fill them with some dirt, and have planted annuals there, just to look pretty, and remind me to water the trees during drought times. I think I will go ahead and plant my flowers, they are already up and growing, and need transplanting, then when the chives and topsets are ready, I will plant them there for next year!
I decided to go ahead and plant the irises in the area of the elderberries, in this way, it will look more like an intentional growth and not so much like weeds growing there. Boy are the elderberries getting loaded with buds! They won't be in the walking area but in the general area of the elderberries, besides it is the sunniest location that I have. I think that will be pretty, especially if they ever decide to all bloom together.