Place your plants (still in their containers) in the bed and space them as the label indicates using the enclosed tape measure. When measuring the distance between plants, measure from the center of one plant to the center of the next plant.

Spacing plants 18″ on center

Step back and take a good look at your arrangement; if you want to change your design, you should do so now. Take advantage of this preview to be sure the bed is laid out as you want it.

Note: As you are previewing your design. Take the time to find the best looking side or “front” of the plant to position toward the viewer. This can ad a nice touch to your garden when it is first installed.

Place plants in containers in bed and step back to preview

Be very careful to space the plants properly. They must have room to thrive, and while the bed may not seem full now you have to plan for mature plants. We cannot stress this point enough: if you want a successful, well-designed garden, you must heed the spacing requirements of your plants. Your bed should (in most cases) look a bit sparse when you first plant it.

Proper plant spacing is critical to successful gardening!

One more thing: as you preview, start thinking about your planting order. You’ll want to start at the back of a bed, for instance, so that you can work your way out without trampling other plants. Also, plant your big trees and shrubs first so you won’t have to worry about the small plants as you are lugging the heavy ones around.

Plant big plants first to avoid stepping on the little ones as you plant

Module Progress

Module 6: Preview – Make sure your garden looks right and has room to grow

A critical step to ensure your garden looks right and has room to grow

Additional Modules

01

Module 1: Site – What is a garden site and site analysis?

What is a site? Your site is the place where plants go: a garden, flower pot, window box, yard. While most people think of a …

Module 1: Site – What is a garden site and site analysis? Read More »

02

Module 2: Style – The elements of garden style

What is Style? Style can be many things to many people. For you it will be the unique way you arrange the materials that will …

Module 2: Style – The elements of garden style Read More »

03

Module 3: Selection – Plants that fit your site and style

You will probably get plants and seeds from retail garden centers (nurseries) or from mail order retailers. Large nurseries usually have a wide range of …

Module 3: Selection – Plants that fit your site and style Read More »

04

Module 4: Design – From concept to plan

Up to now we have discussed principles and techniques for evaluating your site, designing gardens, and selecting plants. In this module we take up the …

Module 4: Design – From concept to plan Read More »

05

Module 5: Prepare – How to get your planting site ready

Unless you are already endowed with good soil and a ready site, you will need to prepare your soil for planting. Preparation involves laying out …

Module 5: Prepare – How to get your planting site ready Read More »

06

Module 6: Preview – Make sure your garden looks right and has room to grow

Place your plants (still in their containers) in the bed and space them as the label indicates using the enclosed tape measure. When measuring the …

Module 6: Preview – Make sure your garden looks right and has room to grow Read More »

07

Module 7: Plant – Install plants of all types and sizes

You should be ready to plant now. Follow the directions on the plant label, if provided. Use a shovel or hand trowel to dig holes. …

Module 7: Plant – Install plants of all types and sizes Read More »

08

Module 8: Maintain – watering to winterizing and everything in between

A clean garden is not like a clean room. A mulch will fade, weeds will crop up, and your sharp edges will blur. Your goal …

Module 8: Maintain – watering to winterizing and everything in between Read More »

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