I bought two grape wine balls, one large and one small. I put the balls on a large stick with the small one on the bottom and large one on top. I then planted ivy around the stick and I'm hoping that the ivy will grow up the stick and cover the balls. Is this totally wrong? Should the small ball be on top? Should I have something stuffed inside the balls? My ivy seems to be growing very slowly. It is next to a large, full length sunny window. Also, has anyone used morning glory plants in a topiary? I planted them too early and they are going crazy under the lights and need to find a home. I really don't have a clue what I'm doing so any advice would be appreciated.

Jo,
Typically you will see the multiglode standards with the largest globe on the bottom to the smallest on top. You can train the ivy around your trunk(the stick you are using) a tight twist with the leaves removed will cover and obscure the trunk. If you want a fast result stuff the forms with green moss (sphangnum). This will give you a very nice effect even with a sparse cover by your ivy. Also by soaking the suffed globes in water for about 20 minutes they will puff up quite nicely. The moss acts as a structure for the ivy to root into . I am presently working on a plan for building the globes with poultry wire and if you would like I can forward you a copy when it is ready. I've completed the prototype and I'm presently completing the instruction sheets. Just send me an email if you are interested, and welcome to topiary hope you enjoy yourself.