I presented at the "Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival" this year and brought back many beautiful  garden design ideas  to share with you!

Take a look.

 

Container Garden Ideas

A simple planter filled with a combination of magenta and purple colored pansies gains dimension by adding terracotta pots filled with annuals.

I see pink geraniums and nicotianas in pink and red cascading from the containers. 

These containers are made in Siena, Italy from a distinct clay that imparts the orange color to the vessels.

 

I was captivated by the sea of pink geraniums dotted with white alyssum.

Fluted terracotta pots rise above the floral mass and contain the same combination.

Notice the added style when containers are incorporated into the planters.

 

One of the most practical secondary uses for cement blocks are as planters!

Cement blocks can be stacked to create vertical gardens that take up little floor space.

I would stack a few blocks and spread them out in different parts of the landscape to separate and mark different areas.

The blocks are filled with sedums, kalanchoe, agaves and echevarias.

This is more contemporary in style than the terracotta gardens which lean towards antique and rustic in feel.

 

Planting Schemes

This "bird garden" designed by nature experts at the National Audobon Society is full of jewel-toned annuals.

I've never been much of an "annual color" gardener but this display garden attracted so many birds and butterflies, that I was won over!

Birds houses, bird baths and nesting material provide an added attraction for our feathered and winged friends.

Plants include magenta dianthus, blue and purple pansies, white alyssum, sunflowers, nicotianas and more.

 

The goal is to reduce the size of the lawn but be aware that some of these annuals require regular watering until established.

 

Large-scaled planting like the flower tapestry at Epcot is commonplace at Walt Disney World and no one does it better!

Sections of the patterned garden beds are drawn on the ground with chalk or string and filled in with different annuals.

This particular garden is changed at least two times during the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival starting with cool-season plants  transitioning to warm season annuals around April or May.

 

Red, glass poppies shimmer above the garden bed near the "Land of Oz" display at Epcot.

From a distance, I was curious as to what these large flowers were, not thinking that they were glass flower sculptures!

I was inspired to add glass sculpture to my garden, just have to find the right one now!

 

Lastly, a river of yellow pansies evokes a feeling of movement in an otherwise static garden.

Get away from planting your annuals in straight lines or uninspired blocks of color, if that is your custom.

I'm going to experiment with interesting patterns and start painting with plants!

 

Have you attended the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival before?

What inspired you most in the garden?

 

 

 

There's nothing more satisfying than designing a garden makeover for a deck when it's empty, like the one at the "Home & Family Show."

Clean slates are under-rated!

 

 

Deck Makeover Segment Assigned

The Home & Family Show producer who was in charge of the deck makeover segment is one very determined guy named Nick Birren.

 

Nick may look like a "romantic lead actor" but he's clearly channeled all his energy into being a top-notch producer behind the camera!

 

I got a call from Nick a few days before we were to tape a segment on designing a composting system.

The plans for the composting system were ready to go and I had my bag of food discards packed in my truck.

 

There was a last minute change- no composting segment, instead, a deck makeover was ordered.

 

I take my television garden makeovers seriously.

They must meet professional standards which translates to, "no installation shortcuts or planting of plants that look pretty for camera but die a few days later."

I had to measure, assess the site for irrigation, check the grading, soil conditions, sun exposure, etc.

This was a real landscaping job with a super short deadline, high expectations and a camera in your face!

 

Left side planting strip. Measures two-feet deep, 13-feet wide and one-foot tall.

 

Right-side planting strip. Measures the same as left side except it's one-foot wider. Take a look at that tall, ugly wall!

 

Fortunately, the planting areas were restricted to two planting strips located between the deck perimeter and the house.

My challenge was to design a dynamic garden that could serve as a "backdrop" for segments taped on the deck, while reserving deck space for production needs.

At the same time, I had design issues that needed to be mitigated such as tall, gray walls, an unattractive roofline, horrible soil, and the instructions not to install any pergolas or overhead structures!

With limited floor space, I padded the design with vertical garden features such as a trellis against the wall, a window box, wall planters and a trio of three-tiered plant towers- obelisks.

 

Preparing For the Deck Makeover

It was a rare day in Los Angeles because it was raining.

This meant that the nurseries were probably closed.

The clock was ticking and I was 24-hours away from installation and still had to source, buy, pick up and deliver the plants, soils, containers and garden decor for the deck.

 

To make matters more difficult, one of my design decisions ended up being a hassle to fullfil.

Instead of planting directly in the ground, I decided to recess plant liners in the small planting areas in order to better control the soil and planting environment.

My problem was, I couldn't find any planters that fit in this specific space!

 

I had to visit three different Lowes garden centers in order to buy 16 liners!

None of the stores had enough on hand.

After rustling up the liners, my energy turned towards finding plants.

 

I called my friends at Armstrong Garden Centers and asked if they would be interested in supplying the plants for the deck and help me pull plants in the rain.

Armstrong agreed, and on my way to the Sherman Oaks store, the rain dissipated.

That was a hopeful sign.

 

 

My next call was to Kellogg Garden Products, the soils company that supplied my television show, "Garden Police."

"I need a lot of organic potting soil for my TV segment," I cried.

"No problem Shirley," the marketing director responded, "we'll set up a pick up for you!"

 

"All hands on deck!" Producer Nick and assistant Will unload soil for the garden project.

 

Oh, to have friends in the gardening industry!

Thank you!!!

 

Installing the Deck Garden

 

Subscribe to EdenMakers Blog to be notified of Part 2: "The Reveal!"

Read and see more photos related to the Deck Makeover Project on Shirley's other website, Garden Center TV!

 

 

 

 

 

You can make a vertical herb garden, a "living spice rack" that spins, using a repurposed tomato cage!

Vertical gardens are very popular these days because it allows you to free up your floor space without sacrificing space for gardening.

One of my favorite pasttimes is coming up with ideas to repurpose materials in the garden that most gardeners already have.

This is the case with my "Living Spice Rack" design.

 

Materials For Shirley Bovshow's Living Spice Rack

I imagined a lightweight, portable, and affordable vertical garden system to grow lots of herbs indoors, during the winter, or outdoors yearlong in mild climate areas.

 

1. Tomato Support Cages

I had to look no further than my metal tomato cage which was on it's way to the garden shed once tomato season was over.

 

The tomato cage with its gridlike design and sturdy composition is the perfect structure to hold a number of metal hanging baskets filled with herbs!

 

If you prefer wood, you can use an inexpensive wood vegetable support trellis like this one- cost $6

 

2. Casters and Plant Dollies

Casters and plant dollies, ($15 +) are the centerpiece of the living spice rack, enabling you to spin and move the rack as needed!

 

Buy some metal planting baskets and cocoa liner and fill them with your favorite herbs before attaching to the tomato cage with gardening tape.

The baskets should wedge into the tomato cage openings, mine are snug.

Make sure to select the right size metal planter by checking to see that it isn't too large or small for the opening.

That's it!

 

Watch Video: "Vertical Herb Garden That Spins and Functions Like a "Living Spice Rack!"

Watch the videos of the Living Spice Rack that I did for my "Way to Grow" show on Digs channel and take a look at the segment I did for the Home & Family Show on

the Hallmark channel recently!

 

Tips:

• If using indoors, make sure to place a saucer underneath the large, main planter to catch draining water.
• Water your living spice rack starting at the top so that the overflow water will drain onto the planters underneath it.
• Select a large container to hold the tomato cage. It should be wide so that the rack is not top heavy and topples.
• Spin your herb rack every few days for even sunlight exposure.
• Enjoy!

 

??

Winter Herbs and Greens for Your Living Spice Rack

• Parsley
• Cilantro
• Chives
• Sage
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Arugula
• Radicchio
• Lettuce varieties
• Kale
• Swiss Chard
• Rosemary

There's a new daytime show on the Hallmark channel called, "Home and Family" that received a front yard makeover by me!

The show is taped in an actual house located on the Universal Studios lot, which is kind of unique for a talk show.

Kitchen segments are taped in the kitchen, there's a living room, family room and a large front and backyard- my stomping grounds!

 

Touted as the "ultimate how-to" show, you can watch the live, 2-hour "Home and Family" Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 12 PM PST.

 

Paige Davis, of "Trading Spaces" and Mark Steines of "E Entertainment" are the hosts.

 

I was invited to appear during the first week and asked to do a "mini-makeover" of the front yard, particularly the area in front of the porch.

 

 

The lawn did little to cover the porch slab which was in plain site and unattractive.

 

My assignment was to increase the curb appeal of the front yard using low maintenance plants. 

 

Kellogg Garden supplied soil and mulch.

 

I called two of my favorite landscape vendors- Monrovia Plants and Kellogg Garden  to ask if they would participate and supply the materials I needed.

They agreed and arrangements were made for deliveries one week before taping.

 

 

Unlike other garden television makeovers, the preparation work was completed in advance so I only needed to install a few plants on taping day.

What a relief, especially since Los Angeles was in the middle of a heat wave with temperatures in the 100-degree range!

 

Flower Carpet and Knock Out Roses

The front yard cried out for color and a romantic look to compliment the traditional architecture.

Considering the fact that this yard isn't tended to by a family, but rather a production company, low maintenance plants were a must!

 

Flower Carpet -Amber roses in bloom

 

Knock Out rose by Monrovia

 

I selected the Flower Carpet-Amber-Rose and Knock Out tree roses as foundation and anchor plants.

 

These award-winning landscaping roses have revolutionized the landscaping industry ever since they were introduced to the market.

Flower Carpet and Knock Out roses bloom from spring until the first frost of winter and are bred for disease resistance.

Both varieties can be planted in garden zones five through ten but must be protected against frost.

 

In addition to the roses, Monrovia also supplied the following "supporting" plants to round out the landscape.

 

• Regal Mist® Pink Muhly Muhlenbergia capillaris 'Lenca'

• Dwarf Maiden Grass- 'Miscanthus sinesis 'Yakishima'

• East Friesland Meadow Sage -Salvia nemorosa 'East Friesland'

• Rozanne Cranesbill - Geranium x 'Rozanne' 

 

 

For the television segment, I taught Mark and Paige how to plant a Flower Carpet rose correctly.

Fortunately, I was able to complete the planting before my six-minute segment was over!

Just in the knick of time.

 

 

How to Plant a Flower Carpet Rose

• Dig a hole twice as wide as the Flower Carpet rootball and equal depth of rootball.

• Mix Gardner & Bloome Rose and Flowering Plant Mix to the native soil backfill 

• Loosen roots of rose and plant in hole

• Fill in hole with amended soil

• Water

• Mulch underneath the roses

 

Gardner & Bloome Rose and Flowering Planting mix

 

Enjoy the before and after photos!

 

Left side- before

 

 

 

Left side of yard after.

 

 Garden bed against garage is too narrow- before

 

Flower Carpet-Amber and salvia beyond.

 

Regal Mist pink muhly grass shimmers in the sun!

 

I'm excited about returning to the "Home and Family Show " soon to  present on "Terrariums."

Subscribe to my EdenMakers Blog and Facebook page for notifications of my next appearance and new blog posts!

 

 

 

 

 

 

By the way, if you ever visit The Forum  Carlsbad Shopping Center, you MUST eat at "Casa de Bandini!"

Casa de Bandini has one of the most beautiful outdoor dining patios that I've ever seen.

Fountains, outdoor living rooms, fireplaces, lush and colorful potted plants- it feels like a party.

 

The food and service are excellent as well.

The handmade corn tortillas are unforgettable.

Read my review on my new blog, Foodie Gardener!
 

I digress.

 

What was the most inspiring public landscape you've seen lately?

Any beautiful gas station gardens?

 

Please subscribe to EdenMakers Blog for garden makeover ideas, container garden designs, no-lawn landscapes, beautiful edible gardens and lots of before and after photos!

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Enhancing the curb appeal of your house doesn't have to be expensive.

Wether you are interested in improving the look of your  front yard for personal enjoyment or for  selling your home, here are a few of my top recommendations.

 

This blog post is part of the Garden Designers RoundTable blog theme about "First Impressions."

Please visit the blogsites posted at the end of this article for more inspired ideas!

 

1. Mulch Your Garden Beds!

 

Nothing says "finished and well tended" than a garden that is weed-free and mulched.

There are a variety of mulch products that can be used in your garden from free pine leaves to decomposed granite to decorative recycled glass and more!

The horticultural benefits of adding mulch to your soil are undisputed- it helps to retard weed growth and aids in moisture retention in the soil.

 

I enjoy the decorative benefits of a rich colored top dressing for the soil.

 

If you have a small garden, you can buy bags (usually 1 to 2 cubic foot size) of your preferred mulch or order large scoops at your landscape center and have it delivered.

Prices vary according to your selection.

Standard, "nothing special redwood nuggets or shredded bark " can cost from $4 per 1.5 cu ft bag, more or less depending on where you live.

Inorganic pebbles and stone costs me approximately $10 dollars for a seventy-five-pound bag.

 

Apply  mulch around your plants but avoid piling it up against the stems as this may encourage plant rot.

A two or three inch depth is adequate.

 

My favorite mulch for my Southern California garden are recycled peach pits and tumbled glass.

If you follow my blog, you know I have a fondness for seashells and wine corks too!

For in depth information read my post, "Mulch 101: The Art of Selecting the Perfect Garden Mulch."

 

I always say, "If your garden bed isn't mulched, it isn't finished yet!"

 

 

2. Add Potted Plants Near Your Front Door!

 

Even if you can't afford to relandscape your entire front yard, place a few colorful containers with fragrant flowers near your entry for impact.

Your eye will be drawn to this bright focal point.

Need inspiration?

Read my blog post "Creative Container Garden Ideas."

 

 

3.Paint Your Front Door An Accent Color!

 

 

I have to admit, if it weren't for the bright fushia-colored front door, this yard would look very boring!

The bougainvillea is captivating but it doesn't sport color year round.

 

Select a paint color that compliments the foliage or prominent plant color in your garden to unify house and landscape.

Painting a front door is a lot like putting on lipstick.

Instant smile!

 

4. Beautify Your Mail Box!

Need I say more about the uplifting affect of a plant-filled mailbox?

I was contacted a few month ago by the designers of Creative Mailbox Planters, a company that specializes in mailbox planters.

What a great idea!

 

For around $80, you can have "practical art" in your front yard.

Take a look at their photo gallery.

 

(This is not a paid endorsement, but please feel free to send me some "swag!)

 

 

5. Hide Your Water Hose

 

 

This tall, elegant urn is hiding an ugly secret…a waterhose!

A water hose is a practical element in your garden that can become a decorative feature, if you conceal it.

This urn was on sale at Target for  under $40 dollars. Not a bad deal.

 

Since I wasn't in the mood to spend ANY money, I repurposed a planter I had sitting around my yard.

I gave it a job.

 

 

 

 

The planter is shallow so I don't have to dive in to pull out the hose.

It also matches the style of the other planters in the garden.

 

Go Add Some Curb Appeal To Your Front Yard!

A few small details can make a big difference in adding curb appeal to your yard.

Always follow the path of least expense.

 

Mulch your soil, paint your front door, display some colorful planters,  add decorative detail around the mailbox and hide your hose.

You get the idea.

 

Please subscribe to EdenMakers Blog for updates on new blog posts and for upcoming giveaways!

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest!

Thanks!

Shirley

 

 

Please join the Garden Designers Roundtable bloggers today as we explore the best of First Impressions:

Lesley Hegarty & Robert Webber : Hegarty Webber Partnership : Bristol, UK

Jocelyn Chilvers : The Art Garden : Denver, CO

Debbie Roberts : A Garden of Possibilities : Stamford, CT

Susan Morrison : Blue Planet Garden Blog : East Bay, CA

Christina Salwitz : Personal Garden Coach : Renton, WA

 

 

 

Self watering containers from recycled soda bottles are gaining in popularity because they work and are inexpensive!

You probably have soda bottles right now in your pantry or in the recycle bin that you can use to make "free" planters.

 

I was recently asked  to appear on Yahoo! Shine's entertaining web show, "More Family Fun"   to demonstrate how these sub irrigated planters are made.

The show focuses on projects that are fun, educational and that kids can participate in.

 

This is not an original idea of mine, I just  added my creative spin to decorating them!

 

Want to get your kids interested in gardening?

Tell them to grab an empty soda bottle and meet you at the crafting table!

Adults should take the lead in cutting the plastic soda bottles as it will require a very sharp blade or scissors to do effectively.

 

 

Yahoo! Shine "More Family Fun" host, Julie Zwillich and Shirley talk "self watering containers"

 

Materials for Soda Bottle Planters

Gather the following materials:

• Plastic Soda bottle- label removed, washed and dried
• Cutting blade and scissors
• Felt material
• Potting Soil
• Seeds or plants in small 4" containers
• Decorative tape
• Decopauge solution
• Foam brushes
• Art work cut from magazines, seed packets, gift wrap or other source

 

 

Sharp scissors or cutting blade is the most important tool you will need for this project!

 

Watch the Video!

 

 

Read the Instructions

1. Mark a ring around your bottle about two thirds of the way down.

2. Start cutting the bottle using your blade and finish with sharp scissors.

3. Take the upper section of the bottle, (the part with the neck) and pierce with blade to create drain holes. (Remember, this part of the bottle will be turned upside down and inserted into the bottom half of the bottle.)

4. Take a small piece of felt material and shove it into the bottle opening so that it protrudes out of the hole a little but is secure and won't come out. The felt  material will act as a wick and absorb water into the bottle and move it to the plant roots.

5. Fill the upper section of the bottle with lightweight potting soil-(the one you just cut drain holes into and placed felt material) and insert inside the bottom half of the bottle. The felt strip should make contact with the bottom of the bottle.

6. Plant seeds or a small plant from a 4" container into the soil.

7. Water, the "customary" way by adding water from the top of the plant.

8. Excess water will drain through the drain holes and fill the resevoir. As your plant needs water, it will draw water up from the bottom of the planter.

9. In about a week or so, the plant may need to be watered again as indicated by an empty reseviour.

Check by lifting the planter. If it feels lighter than usual, it may be time to fill the reseviour with water again.

10. Decorate your self watering container with stickers, decorative tape or decopauge. This is a great art project for the kids!

 

 

These planters are best used for indoor plants or for starting seeds in my climate zone.

I'm concerned about the perennial sunshine degrading the plastic after a while.

 

I followed the instructions set by Bob Hyland of  InsideUrbanGreen.org and I encourage you to visit his blog, AFTER watching my video and reading my blog post.

You might not want to return!

Bob has the most extensive collection of articles on soda bottle planters that I've encountered and an excellent photo tutorial on Flickr for  making these "SIPS" (sub irrigated planters) as he prefers to call them.

 

Grab your soda bottles and start gardening!

 

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