Home & Garden Blog

At the intersection of Claremont & Westheimer at Highland Village in Houston is one of the busiest florists in town— River Oaks Plant House. It’s a whimsical topiary wonderland as different forms abound, from 10-ft. dangling monkeys to Easter bunnies. Giraffes, elephants and dinosaurs line Claremont St. while smaller animals are found inside the shop.

How adorable are these?

Topiary making is an art and wire forms are like sculptures. I know, just keeping my 3-tier round topiary tree is hard enough (well, it’s not round anymore). Here’s a quick rundown on how they make it.

1. Buy a form. Unless of course you are a master wire sculptor. There are several online shops, just type in “topiary forms” specialty nursery and garden stores in your town may have them, too. If you are making your own, chicken & copper wires may be suitable. Other people have even used wire hangers.
2. Choose the plant or shrub. The selection includes creeping vines such as English Ivy, Bay Laurel, Box Holly, Myrtle, etc.
3. Fill the form with sphagnum moss. Thy available at your local Lowes and Home Depot.
4. Plant the vine around the form in the pot or ground.
5. As the vine grows, train it to wrap around the form. Prune as needed so the form stands out.

Ahhh, just love topiaries, found this namecard holders I’m thinking of using at my wedding… whenever that will be.