Never used them, they don't import them up here to the north for that purpose to my knowledge. But, I know what they are -- I've grown cotton a few times just for kicks.

Just a couple of thoughts -- 1) arent' they kind of spiny -- ouch! 2) isn't cotton grown with a LOT of pesticides.

You'll have to weigh those factors for yourself. I guess if it were me, I probably wouldn't have any major qualms about using them flower beds, but I would be a little concerned about the pesticide residues in a food garden, because I know they use stuff on cotton they don't use on food crops, since it's not an edible crop and it has a lot of pest issues. But, maybe cotton is grown a little "greener" than it used to be, too.