As you select bedding plants for your garden, you'll be choosing from three different types -- annuals, biennials and perennials. But regardless of which type you choose, be sure to start with a healthy, quality plant says Disney horticulturist John Arnett. Here he offers some final tips on successfully incorporating beautiful bedding plants into your garden. Arnett, a member of the "test garden" team at Epcot is responsible for planting an array of flower varieties under all types of conditions to determine what environment and care works best for each one. Once you've gathered your plants, amend the soil as needed, says Arnett. Next account for size: how large will your selected varieties become? If unsure, look up the plant in a reliable resource or consult the care card in the plant's container. Then you're ready to mark off the area where you'll place your plants. For smaller plants, you can simply use a trowel as your marker (figure A). Just lay it along the line where you'll plant your row(s), and dig a hole of the needed size at the back end of the trowel's handle. (Press the end of the handle down slightly in the soil to mark the exact point.) Once you've dug the hole, lay the trowel with the front end over that hole, then dig the next hole at the back end of the trowel's handle in the same manner. Repeat until you have the desired number of holes. For larger beds with larger plants, you may want to construct a custom marker of sorts like the PVC "rake" shown here (figure B). This tool is designed to mark off 12-inch planting points. Arnett draws it horizontally then vertically over the planting area to create an instant grid. Then, it's easy to just dig out the holes at the intersecting lines with a bulb planter (figure C). Note: For a tour of Disney's Epcot Center map, click here , available using  .
RESOURCES :
A Gardener's Guide to Planters, Containers and Raised Beds
Model: 0806942436
Author: Chuck and Barbara Crandall
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com
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