The first thing that i would do is go to the library and get some books out on topiary, i found an excellent book by
Garden Art Press called Creating Topiary. Fantastic, step by step many shapes, techniques and how did they do that.
Also some of the best topiary photos dating back to the 1700's. I have made an ivy ball, using two wire half pots, you hang one pot right way up and the other upside down and place the plants in it poking the ivy through the gaps having the root balls in the centre of the wire pots. Do the same to the other side, put extra dirt in the one hanging upside down, now very tricky is to put the two together, you will need some help, once together, twist some wire around the two pots to become one sphere, now gently hold your completed ball up and place onto a wooden stake with wire and plant in a pot. you can have another ivy planted at the base and have it running up the wooden stake, this way you will have your topiary ivy quite fast doing it this way. Keep an eye on ivy as it tends to die off in places. All the best.

Hi Roybn - thanks for the instructions for the ball topiary.. One additional question...... Did you place spag moss in the ball or just the soil.... thanks in advance

cajun