Ponder in garden area when perplexed (7)
I believe the answer is:
bemused
'perplexed' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
'ponder in garden area' is the wordplay.
'ponder' becomes 'muse' (synonyms).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'garden area' becomes 'bed' (as in a flower bed).
'muse' going into 'bed' is 'BEMUSED'.
'when' is the link.
(Other definitions for bemused that I've seen before include "Lost for words" , "Deep in thought" , "Perplexed or absorbed in thought" , "Floored" , "Dazed" .)