- If you are creating a ball topiary, use wire and ties to create a large, round, open circle.
- With one hand, place the circle around your topiary, and with the other, snip away any branches that extend past that circle.
- Move the circle around as you move, and you’ll end up with a perfect ball topiary every time.
How do you make a topiary shape?
Decide which shape you’d like to have. If you are creating a topiary for the first time, start with something basic, such as a cone or a ball. Using a pair of sharp shears, slowly work at pruning the bush until you receive the desired shape.
What can I plant to make a topiary ball?
You can't create a topiary ball from any old shrub. Hedging plants are ideal as are evergreen plants with small leaves that don't mind being sheared. You'll also need a plant that grows quickly and has dense, bushy branching. Keeping this in mind, the lillypilly is an obvious choice.
What tools do you need to make a topiary?
Cutting & Shaping Topiary The tools you will need to create your plant sculptures are: a pair of secateurs, long handled sheers and topiary sheers (shown left). To start cutting your topiary shape, first use the long handled sheers to create the initial ‘rough cut shape’, from your chosen plant.
How do you prune a topiary plant?
Start at the top of your plant with your hand shears or trimmer and cut at a downward, outward angle toward the middle of the plant's height. The angle should be more gradual than it would be for a cone topiary. Aim to remove about one inch of growth to start. You can always remove more later.
How do you cut a perfect topiary ball?
0:472:49Maintaining & Pruning Shrubs : How to Trim a Topiary - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you want to have a globe on the ground a little gumdrop. We call it then you want to do theMoreIf you want to have a globe on the ground a little gumdrop. We call it then you want to do the opposite. You want to keep cutting from the top.
How do you trim a ball shape?
6:0711:56Trimming Round Ball Bushes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI'll go to the side. And I'll do that curl. Sometimes. I actually go upside down like this and doMoreI'll go to the side. And I'll do that curl. Sometimes. I actually go upside down like this and do that shape a little bit and then I come from the bottom up a little bit so it's a multiple movement.
How do you start a topiary ball?
2:114:49How To Make a Boxwood Topiary Ball | Southern Living Plant Collection X ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI normally start at the top to start establishing more of a squatty profile. And to get that roundedMoreI normally start at the top to start establishing more of a squatty profile. And to get that rounded shape established. And then you want to constantly.
How do you make a round topiary ball?
If you are creating a ball topiary, use wire and ties to create a large, round, open circle. With one hand, place the circle around your topiary, and with the other, snip away any branches that extend past that circle. Move the circle around as you move, and you'll end up with a perfect ball topiary every time.
What do you trim topiary with?
Choose the right tools: hand shears suit small plants and powered trimmers are best for big ones. Secateurs are best for plants such as holly, so that you don't slice into individual leaves. Keep blades very sharp to avoid bruising the cut stems, which would turn brown.
When should you trim topiary?
Trimming young, sappy growth in the spring is likely to bruise the foliage, leaving you with a topiary shape that is unsightly. It is best to prune in mid-June, when the leaves are hard and leathery, and again in late summer if necessary.
How do you keep a topiary from falling over?
11 Easy Ways To Keep Plant Pots From Falling OverUse the right pot size for the plant. ... Use a pot made with heavy material. ... Fill the pot with heavy objects. ... Use a stake to support the plant. ... Place the pot near a wall. ... Protect the plants using windbreaks. ... Protect the plants using a windscreen.More items...
How do I fill out a topiary form?
0:438:22Creating Stuffed Topiaries - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhat you use is dampen Spagna moss and you pack it all around the outside of your form leaving someMoreWhat you use is dampen Spagna moss and you pack it all around the outside of your form leaving some space on the inside. For your potting media and that's where we're going to put our little ivy.
What plant is best for topiary?
Plants like the holly, laurel, boxwood, and privet possess these attributes and are excellent choices for topiary. The most popular amongst these choices is the boxwood. This is especially true for varieties such as the "Morris Dwarf" which keeps its compact shape even if it isn't trimmed.
How do you make a homemade topiary?
2:203:39POOL NOODLE SPIRAL TOPIARY DOLLAR TREE DIY - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTrim down the broom handle to make sure the bottom of the topiary sits flat on top of the planter.MoreTrim down the broom handle to make sure the bottom of the topiary sits flat on top of the planter. And here is the topiary. Inside the planter with a little Spanish moss tucked in around it.
How do you make a topiary spiral?
0:533:18How to Make a Spiral Topiary Shrub | The Great British Garden RevivalYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI'm just gonna start with some string right. And now I'm gonna use this to create the spiral shapeMoreI'm just gonna start with some string right. And now I'm gonna use this to create the spiral shape that I'm going to follow when I start cutting. So just got to get it on a diagonal.
How are topiary balls measured?
CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE FOR YOUR PLANTER - Measure the width of the opening at the top of your planter to determine the right size ball. The XL 19" ball fits planter openings from 13" to 18". The LG 15" ball fits planter openings from 10" to 14".
How do you trim a boxwood ball?
0:314:20Pruning Boxwood into Globe Form - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI'm going to hold them horizontally. But on a 45 degree angle to make that initial. Cut. I'm kind ofMoreI'm going to hold them horizontally. But on a 45 degree angle to make that initial. Cut. I'm kind of see here. And I am taking off a lot of the vertical. Growth. Because the more aggressive.
How do you trim a round tree?
0:314:29Trimming And Shaping A Tree - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLittle branches at the bottom which actually are doing nothing much there we go clear already I'veMoreLittle branches at the bottom which actually are doing nothing much there we go clear already I've got the stake that's been left in the tree forever. So let's just get it. Out. That's the one.
What plant is best for topiary?
Plants like the holly, laurel, boxwood, and privet possess these attributes and are excellent choices for topiary. The most popular amongst these choices is the boxwood. This is especially true for varieties such as the "Morris Dwarf" which keeps its compact shape even if it isn't trimmed.
How do you trim bushes into shapes?
0:141:52How to Trim Bushes Into Shapes : How to Care for Shrubs - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipInto certain shapes and forms and all you need to do it is a pair of pruners. This is a reallyMoreInto certain shapes and forms and all you need to do it is a pair of pruners. This is a really unusual olive. Called little olive it's a tube or poodle.
How to make a spiral topiary?
Creating the spiral topiary with ball on top 1 Preferably select a plant with a straight single central stem. If the plant does not have enough foliage to create a spiral shape, initially cut it into a cone to enable the growth to thicken. 2 Look at the way the plant is branched to determine the shape of the spiral. You may find it easier to initially sketch a line in the foliage with the sheers, or use a piece of string spiralled around the plant as a guide line. Starting from the base of the plant, with one hand, lift the foliage away to enable you to access the line to be cut (shown right). 3 Working up the plant, starting at a shallow angle progressively getting steeper towards the top. 4 If required, shape ball on top.
How to choose a plant to topiarize?
You can see how you can progress form one shape to another. When choosing a plant to ‘topiarize’, select a plant that is already as near to the shape you plan to cut, i.e., in the example of a cone shape, you will require an upright growth.
How to find the spiral shape of a plant?
Look at the way the plant is branched to determine the shape of the spiral. You may find it easier to initially sketch a line in the foliage with the sheers, or use a piece of string spiralled around the plant as a guide line. Starting from the base of the plant, with one hand, lift the foliage away to enable you to access the line to be cut (shown right).
How to cut a plant with one hand?
Starting from the base of the plant, with one hand, lift the foliage away to enable you to access the line to be cut (shown right). Working up the plant, starting at a shallow angle progressively getting steeper towards the top. If required, shape ball on top.
What to use to cut plants in uniform size?
The template can be used if you want to cut several plants in a uniform size. To prevent the spread of disease, use an anti-bacterial spray (as used in the kitchen) on the blades of your tools, in between cutting plants. It is important to remember to oil the pivot point of the sheers.
Can a spiral be a shape?
There are several elements to this shape that can be used on an individual basis – the single stem could be devoid of foliage thereby creating a ball on stem, the spiral could be a shape on its own. Preferably select a plant with a straight single central stem.
What are some techniques to create an outdoor topiary?
Just as there are several kinds of indoor topiaries, there are several techniques for creating outdoor topiaries: Espalier: trees (often fruit trees) are trained to grow with their branches flat against a wall. Pleached hedges: branches of plants are interwoven to create a corridor along a walkway.
How to prune a ball on top plant?
If choosing the ball-on-top shape, prune all the branches away from the bottom of the trunk, leaving several inches of green growth at the top (the exact amount depends on the total height of your plant and the aesthetic you prefer).
What Is a Topiary?
Topiary is the art of trimming shrubs and hedges into carefully planned decorative shapes.
How to make a cone hedge?
To create your cone, start with your shears or trimmer at the top of the plant and make an angled cut downward so that the base will be wider than the top.
What are the different types of topiaries?
As different as they are, they’re both topiaries. Indoor topiaries use small perennials and fall into three categories: Pruned topiary: plants are clipped and trimmed to fit a shape. Hollow topiary: vines and stems are trained to grow around a hollow frame.
How to keep a tall plant from leaning?
If your plant is taller, you can give yourself guidelines to follow by leaning poles or broomsticks against it. Nestle each pole within the branches until it leans at the angle you want.
Where to place frame for cuttings?
You’ll place the frame over your plant and make your cuts just outside it.
Choose the Best Plants for Your Topiary
When it comes to creating a topiary, choosing the right plant to start with is essential. You’ll want something that is evergreen, full and easy to shape. Boxwoods are one of the most popular choices for topiaries because they offer a multitude of small green leaves and provide plenty of coverage.
How to Make a Topiary Without a Frame
Most topiaries use the structure of the plant itself and don’t rely on an additional topiary frame.
How to Make a Topiary with a Frame
If free handing your topiary shape seems overwhelming, try using topiary frames. Using a frame to shape your topiary will help you get a consistent result, especially if you are trying to create a pair of matching topiaries to flank a garage or entryway to your home.
How to Shape an Ivy Topiary
Unlike boxwood, ivy needs a support structure to grow. It is easy to create a wall of greenery by allowing ivy to climb up a straight trellis or fence, but that’s not the only way to feature ivy in your garden. Show off your artistic side by creating a sculptural framework with chicken wire, wire ties and strong dowels.
Maintain Your Topiary Plant
Make sure your topiary is receiving the proper amount of light and water. When you are doing weekly yard maintenance, take note of your topiary and give it a quick look-over for any pests or signs of disease. If you notice any, treat the issue immediately to preserve the health of the plant.
How to make a ball topiary?
To make ball topiary, trim your hedge into a rough ball shape first, and then take smaller cuts from all angles and keep checking the appearance to work into a round shape. Getting easy access to all sides of the hedge plant is the key to spherical shrubbery success so using potted plants is a smart move for beginners.
How to keep topiary shape?
When you notice your topiary starts to lose it shape, keep it in check by regular trimming. If you want to change your creation and reshape into something else, just let it grow.
How to keep boxwood from losing shape?
Boxwood does seem to benefit from a spray of water for the first week. Some gardeners say that it helps to encourage more dense growth. It is probably true. Remember that water carries oxygen and plants absorb nutrients through their leaves as well as their roots. When you notice your topiary starts to lose it shape, keep it in check by regular trimming. If you want to change your creation and reshape into something else, just let it grow.
Do you need a frame for topiary?
You may want to invest in a frame to make it easier, but as this is a simple shape to create, it is somewhat of an unnecessary expense. Don’t let us stop you, however, if you feel that using a frame will help you in the early stages of your topiary journey.
Do you need a lot of tools to make a ball topiary?
To complete simple designs such as ball topiary, you don’t need a lot of tools which is another reason why it’s an ideal project for the beginner topiary artist. The most basic tools will do the job; just ensure that you have a pair of long or medium shears available and a pair of secateurs.
Can you use ball and cube shapes?
You will also discover that simple combinations of ball and cube shapes can be used to great effect – it just takes a bit of time, the right tools and a good perspective on the matter.
Is boxwood good for topiary?
Boxwood is rather fast growing and very forgiving. It lets you create the most amazing shapes and topiary creations. When it comes to topiary, you should never worry about experimenting. This is a living craft which will grow back and let you create something else.
