The desktop is in fact another containment. One that doesn't put size constraints on the applets. Applets can be moved and sized freely. On the unlocked desktop, Plasmoids will show a frame when you move the mouse over them. This applet handle allows you to move, resize, relocate and realign the panel. It also allows you to drag Plasmoids on the desktop. The buttons in the corner are used to resize, rotate configure and remove the applet. When rotated, a Plasmoid will act magnetic towards 12 o'clock, so it's easy to get them back into sensible position. By default, most applets keep their aspect ratio when they are being resized. If you want to freely resize an applet, hold the Ctrl key pressed while resizing.

Right clicking on the desktop also offers you to configure aspects such as the wallpaper used, and the Plasma theme. Both actions offer to download new wallpapers and themes through KNewStuff.

With open applications, it quickly gets hard to see the Plasmoids on your desktop. The Dashboard gets those Plasmoids in front of you, much like the Show desktop functionality you are used to from traditional desktops.