DIY Network

Planting the Beds From "Weekend Gardening" episode WKG-208

When creating a carpet garden, choose plants with attractive foliage that will look good in all seasons. Consider low-growing plants such as ivy geranium, carpet rose or lantana. Herbs are also good choices as long as they will have at least six hours of sun a day. Chives, marjoram and thyme are all excellent choices, with foliage colors ranging from a variety of green shades to lemon and chocolate. Unique plant forms are also important to the look of the finished garden. This garden will incorporate shrubby accent plants both for height and to set off each garden bed.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G
	Figure H
	Figure I
	Figure J

Choose plants with perfect form and plant geometrically, a planting technique popular in the mid-20th century. When planting in a geometric grid, always leave defined spaces between the plants. When the beds are mulched, these spaces become as visually important as the plants. Just remember: When planning the layout, the goal is to create beds of dramatic plant contrasts.

Regular maintenance and pruning will be necessary to keep the plants compact and to prevent them from overflowing their beds. Even though discipline is required to keep the beds a uniform height, the result is rewarding and done correctly can result in a garden that can last for many years.

The following plants were used in the garden beds:

• Fox red curly sedge (Carex Buchananii) (figure A). Three are planted in the same bed for visual interest.

• Variegated New Zealand flax (Phormium tenax 'Tiny Tiger') (figure B), a dwarf variety planted in the smallest bed. Planted in the interior bed for color contrast.

• Sago palm (Cycas revoluta) has very stiff fronds, the perfect architectural form for this type of garden. Slow growing, planted in the largest bed (figure C).
  
  
• Blue fescue (Festuca cinera) (figure D), a plant popular in the mid-20th century.

• Mondo grass (Ophiopogon Japonicus nanus) (figure E), spherical in shape, slow growing and keeps its shape.

• Dragonsblood sedum (Sedum spurium) (figure F), a very cold-hardy succulent, good for most climates, develops brightly colored foliage as temperatures fall.

• Ponytail fern (Asparagus densiflorus 'Meyers') (figure G), bright green, with cigar-shaped plumes. Excellent color and texture contrast with Dragonsblood sedum (figure H).

• Variegated common periwinkle (Vinca minor variagata) (figure I), variegated in an unusual pattern that stands out in the garden, fills in like sedum to create a solid mass of foliage and produces small blue flowers.

• Anacampseros succulent (Anacampseros rufescens) (figure J), purchased in flats of approximately 25 plants for mass plantings.

• Purple-tinged succulent rosettes are planted in a collar around the bowling ball. Lime-green succulents are also used in the beds. Succulents are available in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and colors. Check nurseries and garden centers for varieties compatible with your climate.

• Mulch beds with dark mulch for contrast.

RESOURCES :
Whitney Farms
www.whitneyfarms.com

Whitewater Rock & Supply
Whitewater Rock and Supply
Whitewater, CA 92282
Email: wwrock@aol.com
Website: www.whitewater-rock.com

WOLF-Garten of North America, L.P.
Minneapolis, MN Phone: 612-455-1500
WOLF-Garten of North America L.P.
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Phone: 612-455-1500
Website: www.ohmygarden.com

Plants from Monrovia Horticultural Craftsmen
Monrovia Horticultural Craftsmen
Website: www.monrovia.com

Garden Maker Software
Garden Maker Software
Email: mo@moplants.com
Website: www.moplants.com/garden_maker_software.html

Recycled glass balls
Glass Garden, Inc.
3511 W. 6th St., Studio 17
Los Angeles, CA 90020
E-mail: info@landscape2go.com
Website: www.landscape2go.com

GUESTS :
Kate Karam
Garden Designer
Los Angeles, CA
E-mail: gardensla@aol.com

Jamie McMurray
Simply Green
Santa Monica, CA
Phone: 310-403-1925
E-mail: smplygrn@aol.com