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Newbie Needs Advise

Posted by abcede z9 CA (My Page) on
Fri, Mar 18, 05 at 0:19

I have my first form & would like to know if there is a Preferred Starting Plant, (the easiest one to grow & trim) What would be the best book to learn from making frames & growing/pruning? & Is there a reasonable place to buy frames? Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: Newbie Needs Advise

I bought My Large Teddy Bear and Large Bunny Rabbit w/ Copper Carrot from here and I love them...I started them with a Soft Pyramid Yew, but Arborvitae work well too and neither one of those plants has to be taken inside in the colder climates, I think that’s a Plus.

http://seaporttopiary.com/photo_page.html


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RE: Newbie Needs Advise

This is an excellent question. I would also love to learn how to create a topiary but have no idea where to begin. Something really easy please? What is the best plant to use?


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RE: Newbie Needs Advise

Hi folks - I just received my forms, now want to head off to the nursery --- suggestions needed! What are your recommendations for the fastest, filling plants to use? I have patience, but not endless!
Thanks,
Carol


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RE: Newbie Needs Advise

Best bet is to get an already good sized shrub - that is either a boxwood, a yew (slow growing though), or a cedar. In many places these are the 2 plants of choice. Yews can grow taller and larger thatn a boxwood and they provide dense foliage which is why they are used often. Which types of yews or boxwood? - depends on the size of your frame. There are yews that spread (not ideal), yews that are columnar (great), and yews that fall in between. Plant these in your choice location, and then place your frame over them. Trim anything that falls outside of the frame. Note too that sometimes the frame shapes require more than 1 plant to form the topiary. For example legs that are standing apart. So 2 plants are used and guided to form the legs and at some point they meet to form the rest of the body.


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RE: Newbie Needs Advise

I would like to find a source for topiary frames....something small to grow small leaf ivies on. This for a garden club project. Anne


 
 

 

 


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