5 ideas from the 2015 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

Epcot showcases countries year-round, but takes on a new look each spring as the theme park also showcases 30 million blooms, nearly 100 topiaries, more than 500,000 plants, trees and shrubs, and an abundance of outdoor living ideas.

The 22nd Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (epcotinspring.com) at Walt Disney World Resort runs through May 17. The event (free with park admission) includes May demonstrations and seminars by experts such as Debra Prinzing, a Seattle-based outdoor living expert and author of books such as “Slow Flowers” (St. Lynn’s Press, 2013), J Schwanke of uBloom.com and Disney’s horticulture staff. Here are five things to see and learn from the gardens and displays.

1. Succulents can be stars: Stunning 6.5-foot Anna and Elsa topiaries that recreate a scene from “Frozen” are comprised of plants and succulents such as Sedum “Coral Reef.” That’s not the only cool display using succulents. The “Cars”-themed garden, with topiaries of characters Lighting McQueen and Mater, feature a variety of succulents with Southwestern flair.

New topiaries at the 2015 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival at Walt Disney World Resort depict cool trends, featuring Elsa and Anna from “Frozen” and facial features painted on the sisters. Contributed by Lori Johnston

2. Grouping can be good: Swaths of yellows, reds and oranges fill the pepper garden, which is arranged from mild to extremely hot, including the Peach Ghost Pepper. A Healing Garden near The Land pavilion features mint, chamomile, aloe, garlic, fennel and other medicinal plants, along with periwinkle, turmeric, thyme and yew plants that are used for modern-day prescriptions.

3. Themed gardens can be eye-catching: The festival’s 10 new gardens include a container garden with toy dinosaur figurines amid the plants and a manicured English garden devoted to Shakespeare. Quotes from plays such as “Romeo and Juliet,” “Hamlet” and “The Winter’s Tale” are placed alongside plants such as roses, rosemary and lavender. Also, a pizzeria garden boasts herbs and veggies in Italian terra cotta pots, which are among the 700 container gardens using clay pots, urns and barrels in Epcot.

4. Gardens can pair odd bedfellows: For a vegetable flower medley, kale and green onions peer over dainty purple and yellow flowers in a garden bed featuring Mickey and Minnie Mouse topiaries. A raised bed of vegetables, such as chayote and peppers, are placed amid blooms of reds and yellows near one of the festival’s outdoor kitchens.

A Shakespeare-themed garden at Walt Disney World Resort includes plants that represent his plays, such as roses for “Romeo and Juliet” and rosemary for “Hamlet.” Contributed by Lori Johnston

5. Urban gardening can be eggs-tra fun: The Urban Farm Garden includes a tricked-out chicken coop with a sliding wood door and a green roof that provides a home for herbs and small vegetables. Aquaponics, latticed vertical wall planters, beds made of old palettes and composting bins also are on display.

Herbs, vegetables, plants and flowers in beds and 700 containers around Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort, including a pizza-themed garden, give guests ideas for attractive displays at home. Contributed by Lori Johnston