Concepts Gardens

The original demonstration garden. The concepts garden is Oklahoma Gardening’s dedicated area within The Botanic Garden at OSU to demonstrate various concepts pertaining to gardening techniques. This area provides a space for filming “how to” segments for the Oklahoma Gardening TV show. It also allows the construction of new beds without disrupting the charm of the primary area of the gardens.

Concrete Block Garden

Two flower beds made from concrete blocks.

	Concrete Block Garden Pros	Concrete Block Garden Cons
	Customizable to desired height/No bending Multiyear usage Tidy appearance Can be placed on any surface Low maintenance Simple construction Readily assessable materials	Some construction Many need large volume of soil media depending on height

Concrete Block Garden Pros

Concrete Block Garden Cons

Customizable to desired height/No bending
Multiyear usage
Tidy appearance
Can be placed on any surface
Low maintenance
Simple construction
Readily assessable materials

Some construction
Many need large volume of soil media depending on height

Concrete Bench Planter

A bench planter made of concrete blocks and wood planks.

	Concrete Bench Planter Pros	Concrete Bench Planter Cons
	A decorative bench to sit on Several spots for placing plants Customizable design depending on preferences	Requires some construction Limited plant selection for the small space

Keyhole Garden

A flower bed made of rocks with plants growing.

	Keyhole Garden Pros	Keyhole Garden Cons
	Good for areas with little/poor soil Somewhat flexible in size and height Uses various materials Build soil Incorporates ugly compost bin	Can take time to collect material Will take time to build soil

Spiral Herb Garden

A garden bed made of rocks stacked in a spiral pattern.

	Spiral Herb Garden Pros	Spiral Herb Garden Cons
	Incorporates difference soil textures for drainage allowing for a range of plants Visually pleasing Uses found materials (e.g. stone, pavers, bricks, etc)	Requires construction Requires large volume of soil

Table Garden

A flowerbed made of wood with green plants growing in it.

	Table Garden Pros	Table Garden Cons
	Customizable to desired height/No bending Multiyear usage Tidy appearance Can be placed on any surface	Construction required Wood requires yearly maintenance seal

Table Garden Factsheets

HLA-6455: Construction of Table Gardens

Hügelkultur / Mound Garden / Hill Garden

A pile of dirt with vegetable plants planted in it.

	Hügelkultur / Mound Garden / Hill Garden Pros	Hügelkultur / Mound Garden / Hill Garden Cons
	Flexible shape and size Utilize available materials No parameters Suitable for veggies or ornamentals Longer-life Can use to redirect water	Bermudagrass will encroach May be Nitrogen deficient

Hügelkultur / Mound Garden / Hill Garden Factsheets

HLA-6501: Sustainable Landscapes: Creating a Hügelkultur for Gardening with Stormwater Management Benefits

Pallet Gardening

A small garden with all four sides made of pallets.

	Pallet Gardening Pros	Pallet Gardening Cons
	Inexpensive Easy assembly Recycling Rustic look Edge to sit on Less concern about Bermudagrass	Less flexible shape Requires more soil Eventually will deteriorate

Plastic Grow Bags

	Plastic Grow Bags Pros	Plastic Grow Bags Cons
	No building Temporary Flexible in size and shape Fewer weed problems Fewer pest problems Adds to OM	Utilitarian Temporary Best suited for certain plants Requires regular watering Pricey

Strawbale Garden

Green plants growing from a strawbale.

	Strawbale Garden Pros	Strawbale Garden Cons
	No building Temporary Flexible in size and shape Minimal soil required No waste Adds organic matter to existing garden	Utilitarian Temporary Best suited for certain plants Requires frequent watering

Strawbale Garden Factsheets

PSS-2264: Straw Bale Bed: A Way to Garden While Building Soil

Vertical Pallet Garden

A pallet sitting upright with plants growing between the boards.

	Vertical Pallet Garden Pros	Vertical Pallet Garden Cons
	Unique Space saver Great for herbs Minimal materials	Will be restrictions of plants one can use Requires frequent watering Only lasts one year

Additional Notes

Best to start the garden by laying it flat to get roots established.
Plant the top after you prop it up vertically.
Plant more drought tolerant plants toward the top.

Woven/Cloth Garden (Smart Pot)

Square woven pots with plants.

	Woven/Cloth Garden Pros	Woven/Cloth Garden Cons
	No building Portable Large variety of shapes, sizes, colors Can grow a variety of different plants	Aesthetics may not fit landscape

Extension

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