LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — We're getting exclusive access "behind the barriers" at Epcot to see how the topiaries are shaping up.
On March 4, the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival kicks off and horticulturists are adding the topiaries' finishing touches. Here are five things you should know:
1. Backstage work
Topiary specialist Rene Worrell escorted Spectrum News throughout Epcot's backstage greenhouses and nursery.
That's where horticulturists and artists are mossing, grooming, pinning, spray painting and trimming the character topiaries, including Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Elsa, Beast — you name it, really.
2. Different tools
"It's so funny," Worrell said. "There are so many different tools. This is actually a curry comb for combing a horse. It's really good at pulling the pins out and everything."
Those pins she mentions that are used to keep the plants tucked up stugly against the topiary structure are actually hair pins (not bobby pins, but traditional hair pins).
3. New looks
The Peter Pan topiary has an all new look for 2020. So does the dragon that's usually at the China pavilion.
"We took the dragon from China and moved him to Japan. Now, he's going to have succulents on him. He's more slender... He's going to weigh about 5,000 pounds."
4. Backstage choreography
Worrell says the backstage choreography is a challenge.
"You have to get it right," she said, smiling. "We're horticulturists. We're not artists. We do our best at that, but we always have an artist that works with us."
In other words, everything needs approval before getting transported to the park.
5. Dates, lineups
The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is March 4 - June 1. The Garden Rocks Concert Series features everyone from Don McLean and Rick Springfield to The Guess Who and Survivor.