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Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide

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A common garden element, the topiary has been developed into an art form in Epcot. Disney can create any character or scene using a simple frame, plant material of many varieties, and some expert pruning and trimming!

Barbara & Allan in front of several Fantasia topiary.

This dragon, seen in front of the China Pavilion in 1998, was covered with loads of bromeliads, giving the dragon a texture that made it seem authentic.

The Chinese dragon topiary, between the promenade and the lagoon.

A simple change in plant material yielded a very different look for Bambi and Thumper in 1999. They were created out of dried flowers, and were on loan to Walt Disney World from Disneyland Paris.

Bambi and Thumper, topiary made of dried flowers.

Sometimes different techniques are used to create an extra effect of realism. In the case of Snow White, her shoulder sleeves are simply made out of begonias. The neatest part about her though, is her blue bodice, which consists of tons of carnation blossoms spray painted blue, and pinned into the form. The blossoms had to be completely changed every three or four days to keep her looking fresh!

Snow White topiary in the Germany Pavilion.

While all Disney gardens are beautiful, none are as consistently magnificent as the gardens of the Canada Pavilion. They are modeled after the Butchart Gardens in British Columbia, Vancouver, and are always a peaceful place for a stroll.

Victoria Gardens, Canada Pavilion.

Note the forced perspective with the "mountain" in the background.  The "full grown" trees on the mountain are actually very small trees growing in containers.  They are replaced when they grow so large as to ruin the illusion.

Victoria Garden, like Butchart Gardens, is a very traditional English garden with a mix of colors, heights, and textures.

Another view of the Canada Pavilion's Victoria Garden.

What's in store for this year's International Flower and Garden Festival? There will be workshops and demonstrations with flower and garden experts, a gourmet brunch called "Food Among the Flowers," and over 100 topiaries on display. In the evenings there will be live performances by bands from the '60s and '70s.

Do you love gardening, but can't make it to Walt Disney World during the International Flower and Garden Festival? Try one of the many behind-the-scenes tours offered year-round. I've been on the Gardens of the World tour three different times, and have learned new things each time!

A lovely geranium tower in the Italy Pavilion.

The Living with the Land ride in The Land Pavilion in Future World can also give you a good shot of horticulture any time, as well as a glimpse of some new techniques being developed.

Sunflowers growing in The Land.

Everyday at Walt Disney World, you will find gardens at which to marvel... if you will only take the time to notice them.

Pentas is a plant that was new to Barb.  They're rarely seen up in the Northern states, but are very popular (for obvious reason) down in the Southland.

Non-stop begonias provide a brilliant splash of color.

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