This section discusses different situations gardeners face in creating new beds and borders in an existing landscape. After you plan and design, the primary job for you, the gardener, is of building the soil. This step is so important you should consider yourself to be a soil builder. For a more detailed explanation of amending our soil and what's needed, refer to the section on Soils.
When renovating or revitalizing new beds or borders, there may be plants in the new planned bed or border you wish to save and reuse in the bed. Water the area, or plants, thoroughly a day or two before removal. Pot in containers and set in a shaded area, being sure roots are not subject to the sun and drying out. If the process of bed reworking occurs over a long period of time, keep the plants watered to allow for as little shock as possible. Disturbing these plants during a dormant season is best, if timing is advantageous.