Island Beds

paint or flour
shovel
topsoil
variety of plants
water
fertilizer
ornamental garden structure

Optional materials:

sphagnum moss
decorative landscaping rocks
gardening gloves

Steps:

1. Choose an area of your yard that is centrally located from the different viewpoints in your home.

3. To make grass extraction easier, edge the border of the bed with a shovel (figure C).

4. Use a shovel to dig out the grass inside the perimeter.

5. If you want to create a ground-level bed, all you need are topsoil and plants. Proceed to step 10.

6. For a raised planter--which is more interesting, changes the elevation and improves drainage--line the bed with moss rocks, alternating big and little stones. If the rocks are heavy, get some help and wear protective gloves.

7. Once the perimeter is complete, score the soil by digging and turning it with a shovel.

8. Add about four to six inches of new topsoil to the bed and spread it evenly with a rake. Be sure to fill in the spaces between the rocks.

9. Create a second row of rocks along the interior edge of the first row.

10. Select plants according to color, blooming cycle, growing characteristics and requirements. For instance, if the flowerbed is located in full sun, make sure all the plants tolerate full sun and share similar watering requirements.

12. Create a focal point within a focal point by incorporating an unusual structure such as a trellis, fountain or this rebar chair sculpture (figure E). Make an unusual planter by covering the seat of the chair with sphagnum moss. First, soak the moss in a bucket of water and then line the frame with the wet moss. Once you have a thick lining of moss, add a few inches of topsoil (figure F). Mix some fertilizer into the soil to give your plants a healthy start. Line the outer rungs of the chair with Clematis jackmanii vines. For color and fragrance along the center, place star jasmine along the backrest of the chair and plant geraniums and zinnias in the seat for a live arrangement, which can be changed out with the seasons (figure G).

13. Water the completed bed thoroughly. Once you've completed the project, James suggests turning on sprinklers to make sure they cover the entire island, or if you use drip irrigation, check that coverage as well.

Plant suggestions: