How to Create a Spiral Topiary

Gardening is a great way to flex your creative muscle because it gives you endless opportunity to play with color, shape and space. So it's no surprise that topiary is considered a true art form. Although you might feel that you don't have the skills or the time required to train more complex topiary shapes such as this ball-headed spiral form, the good news is that you can buy pieces that are ready-grown. Plant them in large pots to decorate the terrace or set them into a border creating an eye-catching focal point. But how to keep such works of art looking as good as the day you purchased them? Provided you don't allow the topiary to get too shaggy and overgrown, giving it a "hair cut" is a relatively quick and easy job. Trim box plants between late spring and the end of the summer to avoid frost damage. If you haven't got any topiary shears, a small pair of two- handed conventional shears or a rechargeable, battery-operated trimmer can be used instead. Save money by learning how to create a spiral topiary and provide your garden with a focal point that you can be proud of.

You will need

• Topiary shears (a small pair of two-handed conventional shears or a battery-operated trimmer is also suitable.)
• Piece of strong wire (e.g. Galvanized fencing wire)
• Pliers
• Sprayer containing rubbing alcohol for sterilizing cutting blades
• Hand brush

Timely Advice

1. Remove dead matter 

Shake dead leaves from topiary interior and remove clippings as they may harbour fungal disease.

2. Water regularly

Box needs good drainage and cool, moist roots. Water pots routinely, even after rain. Red-tinged foliage is due
to stress from excess heat and dryness.

3. Avoid granular feed 

Box is surface rooting and granular fertilizer is too concentrated; it damages the roots and causes foliage scorch. Liquid feed or mulch with well-rotted manure instead.

5. Air and light 

Occasionally turn potted topiary if it is positioned against walls and hedges. This promotes even growth and prevent sections dying through lack of light. Good air circulation curbs diseases.