Array ( [52] => stdClass Object ( [tid] => 52 [vid] => 2 [name] => Container Gardening [description] => [weight] => 0 ) [1755] => stdClass Object ( [tid] => 1755 [vid] => 1 [name] => container [description] => [weight] => 0 ) [1997] => stdClass Object ( [tid] => 1997 [vid] => 1 [name] => container planting [description] => [weight] => 0 ) [66] => stdClass Object ( [tid] => 66 [vid] => 1 [name] => containers [description] => [weight] => 0 ) [1868] => stdClass Object ( [tid] => 1868 [vid] => 1 [name] => craft [description] => [weight] => 0 ) [1554] => stdClass Object ( [tid] => 1554 [vid] => 1 [name] => How to [description] => [weight] => 0 ) [1578] => stdClass Object ( [tid] => 1578 [vid] => 1 [name] => organic [description] => [weight] => 0 ) [1724] => stdClass Object ( [tid] => 1724 [vid] => 1 [name] => plant [description] => [weight] => 0 ) [1548] => stdClass Object ( [tid] => 1548 [vid] => 1 [name] => plants [description] => [weight] => 0 ) [2388] => stdClass Object ( [tid] => 2388 [vid] => 1 [name] => summer container [description] => [weight] => 0 ) [2143] => stdClass Object ( [tid] => 2143 [vid] => 1 [name] => topiary [description] => [weight] => 0 ) )

Build a Summer Topiary

Sheena Adams | Image: Terry Guscott | 01 Jul 2007

Settle on a theme, choose a container and have fun. The possibilities truly are endless: herbs, tomatoes, lettuce, colour, fragrance, Christmas, spring bulbs and sweet peas are just a few ideas.

You'll need a wire frame for a moss basket, moss, a tree branch 10 cm/4 in. or larger in diameter or a fence post, a plastic pot (minimum 1 gallon), chicken wire and heavy-gauge wire to attach the basket to the post, one bag ready-to-use cement mix, container soil mix, plants, polymer gel (optional), and a decorative pot to place the topiary in.

1. To create the base of the topiary, secure the post in the plastic pot with the ready-mix cement. Allow it to set for at least 24 hours. The cement base provides enough weight to balance the top of the topiary.

2. Place a wire frame basket upside down on the post. Enclose the bottom of the basket by attaching chicken wire to the underside with wire. The basket is now ready to be stuffed with moss and soil.

3. Place a layer of moss on the bottom and up the sides of the basket. Add soil (to reduce the need for watering, mix 10 mL/2 tsp. of polymer gel into the soil mix before you plant). Begin adding plants, poking the roots through openings in the wire and into the moss. Work your way up the basket, layering moss, soil and plants as you go. A narrow-diameter stick will help to squeeze the moss into place. Maintain the basket by fertilizing with a liquid 4*2*3 fertilizer every 10 days. Deadhead as needed and trim for shape.

Top 10 Proven Winners for a Summer Topiary
Use a 35-cm (14-in.) wire basket and randomly plant one of each plant listed for a summer masterpiece. The post should be a minimum 1 m (3 ft.) tall, as it will cascade.

• Angelonia 'Angelface Blue Bicolor' Proven Winners
• Scaevola 'New Wonder'
• Calibrachoa superbells 'Tequila Sunrise'
• Oxalis 'Charmed Wine'
• Euphorbia 'Diamond frost'
• Argyranthemum molimba 'Helio Double Pink'
• Nemesia sunsatia 'Pear'
• Nemesia sunsatia 'Mango'
• Supertunia 'Double Peppermint'
• Lantana 'Tropical Fruit'

Bookmark this Article

Ask	Del.icio.us
Digg	Google
Facebook	Reddit
Live	Yahoo MyWeb
Furl	StumbleUpon

Comments

Will the Eugenia Topiary survive the winter planted in the garden I purchased one and the sales person said it will come back in the spring ? Do you cover it for the winter?
Does anyone have the anwers for my questions?

July 11, 2008 at 16:22

Anonymous Says

Organic Gardening Expert Sheena Adams responds:

It can go out in the summer, however it is not winter hardy. In the summer place in a shady location, morning sun is suitable. Return indoors by frost!

July 14, 2008 at 09:24

ybc Says

Can you plant a Eugenia Topiary out doors

July 11, 2008 at 16:01

Anonymous Says