Her selection revolves around several criteria. "I like height, so I select plants that give me the vertical look. I also like to experiment with plants with different textures. These give me the look I want in my beds," she said.

Nixon's care of the garden beds is somewhat different than the containers. "I water to keep them blooming, but they are fertilized differently. About the only regular fertilization they get is when we fertilize the lawn."

Getting the plants in the flower beds off to a good start is important. Once again, the secret is to start with soil improvement. Nixon adds a layer of compost each season but does not till it in. "The beds are top-dressed, and then I scrape it away to plant the individual flowers so I do not disturb the plants that are already in the garden. I sometimes add some Osmocote at that time."

Soil, water, plants and nutrients. It seems so basic, but fine-tuning the process is not always easy. Nixon's formula might not be a secret, but careful attention to detail will help your gardens and containers look as good as hers.

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Larry Sagers is the horticulture specialist at Utah State University Extension, Thanksgiving Point.