Salt and Pepper Planting Design

A few years ago I had the opportunity to present at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival in Orlando, Florida. An amazing experience that allowed me to not only meet wonderful Disney staff and enthusiastic gardeners, but also the fortune of taking in all the beautiful horticulture displays.

Among all the intricate topiaries were beds of lovely mixed annuals. Typically annuals are planted in bold monochromatic sweeps, but the Disney horticulture staff has blended many of their annual beds into what they call a "salt and pepper" approach. Imagine the large monochromatic sweeps being pulled together so they overlap. The result is a dynamic carpet of spotted color. Very fun and something that can easily be done in your garden with annuals or perennials.