Tools and Materials
Tools
Pruning shears
- Stakes
- Twist ties
- Safety glasses
- Safety gloves
- Garden trowel
Materials
Boxwood plant
- Planter
- Potting soil
- Fertilizer
Water
7 Steps to Make a Topiary Without a Frame
You can make a topiary without a frame with the help of a few gardening tools. Here are the steps explaining how to make a topiary:
Selecting the right plant is key to crafting a long-lasting topiary. Evergreen plants like boxwood are usually preferred for this project. Boxwoods have a multitude of leaves that provide good coverage. You can prune these leaves easily to create several shapes. Ivy, myrtle and rosemary are also preferred for crafting topiaries in homes.
When selecting plants, make sure that the weather in your region is suitable for them.
Choose a decorative pot or planter that complements your space. Ensure that it is large enough to sustain the plant and includes plenty of drainage holes. Fill this pot with potting soil up to 3/4 th of its height and even it out with the help of a garden trowel.
Now, gently place your plant on top of this soil. Keep it well-positioned and lightly press the soil around the roots using your fingers. Again, fill the remaining space with more soil, ensuring that the plant is stable.
Read the tag attached to your plant carefully. You may need to keep the plant undisturbed for a while after planting. This is often necessary to allow their roots to establish and adapt to the new environment.
Decide what shape you want for your topiary. The traditional and easier options include sphere, cone, square or spiral. If you have a larger plant, you can also opt for a single, double or triple ball. Visualize the final look and identify areas where trimming is needed.
Wear safety gloves and safety glasses when trimming the plant.
Take a sharp pruning shear and start trimming the plant. Always cut small sections at a time to avoid over-pruning. If you are making a spherical topiary, remove the leaves growing close to the stem. Always use pruning shears instead of pulling off the leaves. This will help to avoid any kind of damage to the stem.
Wear safety gloves when using pruning shears.
Continue pruning until you achieve the desired topiary shape. Step back frequently to view your work progress. Keep in mind that the topiary must look symmetrical from different angles.
External support is necessary to keep the stem upright, especially during the initial shaping stages. Insert a stake into the soil close to the plant stem and tug on it lightly to confirm it is secured into the soil.
Take a twist tie and make a loop around the stem. Twist the ends to secure this tie on the stem. Hold the extra length of the twist ties and loop them around the stake. Again, twist the ties to secure them. The twist ties should make a figure-8 after completing this step. You can repeat this process for every 2 inches of the stem length.
With time, new leaves and branches will grow. As a result, the shape of your topiary can become uneven, making regular pruning necessary to manage the new growth and maintain the design of your topiary.
Keep an eye on any protruding branches and leaves. Trim these away with the help of pruning shears. Evergreen plants need to be pruned actively every few weeks and slower-growing plants may only need occasional touch-ups.
Ensure that the topiary is getting enough sunlight and water. You can use fertilizer to encourage healthy growth. Remove the dead leaves and branches frequently. For denser plants like boxwood, remove some of the inner leaves or branches. This will allow optimum sunlight exposure for a healthy plant.
Refer to the user manual when using fertilizer. Ensure that it is suitable for your plant type.