Topiary Frames, Green Sculptures for the Green Thumb
For all of you with a green thumb who feel that you are not being challenged enough with your typical houseplants, then maybe it is time to tackle creating topiary shrubs. These very popular creations are a great way to liven up your home or grounds and let you display your creative talents.
Topiary frames are wire forms that are created to resemble animals, shapes and other sculptures. They are often fabricated from galvanized steel wire and painted to add to their durability and aesthetic appeal. Topiaries are often constructed by filling the frame with sphagnum moss and then inserting small plant plugs into holes in the moss. Vining plants such as ivy, creeping fig, jasmine, pennyroyal and rosemary are most often recommended for creating topiaries as they are best suited for creating the necessary shapes.
There is really no limit to the shapes that you can create and this is evident by the variety of frames that are on the market. Frames are available in a wide array of sizes that can be container planted or they can be large self-standing structures that are the focal point of your yard or garden. Let’s take a look at some of the options that you will find when searching for that perfect frame.
Cliff Finch’s Zoo
This company offers a wide variety of shapes from tabletop designs to massive lawn sculptures. It seems that their selection of animal shaped frames is by far the majority of their business and they offer an animal to suit just about anyone. There frames are all hand-made from welded heavy-gauge steel wire which is finished with a baked powdercoat or a hand-painted rust resistant paint.
If your choice is to create a small topiary for display in your home then perhaps a small bird such as a chickadee, duck or quail would be in your size range. These small frames are between 6 and 12 inches in height and seem perfectly suited to container planting. If something on a larger scale is more for you then maybe a giraffe or whale are better suited. These frames are up to 9 feet in height and in some cases, just as long. No matter what shape you desire there is a good chance you can find it here and at prices ranging from $3.50 up to $600.00.
Topiary 4 U
If artistic style frames are more for you then Topiary 4 U will most likely have what you are looking for. Their wide variety of frames includes some very special pieces that are more art than frame. Items such as the Bronze Fish by George are one-of-a-kind hand sculpted frames that would look equally at home in a garden or museum and they are finished to weather the outdoors and provide you with years of enjoyment. Denizens of the deep are not their only shapes though as this company provides frames that are breed specific if dogs are your thing. They have realistic frames that are life-like replicas of Basset Hounds and Airedales to Golden Retrievers and Yorkies. If the idea of a topiary monument to man’s best friend is what you are looking for then this is the place to go. Their frames are constructed with high quality metal and finished with a black powder coat black finish for an elegant look. In addition to just purchasing a frame there are many models that can be bought with the moss already in place and ready for planting. Some of their frames are also shipped in smaller sections to allow for easier transportation and handling. Check out their selection today at prices beginning at around $20.00.
Rittenhouse
If the idea of creating a topiary seems like a daunting task then perhaps you should be checking in with Rittenhouse. They offer frames that range in difficulty from the simple to the challenging and everything in between. In addition, their frames are 2-part construction to allow for easy access when it comes to stuffing the inside. As an added touch to those who are beginners they offer a wide variety of frames that include instructional videos of the step-by-step process of creating your topiary, and provide a list of suitable plants to use for your form. They offer frames in a wide range of prices and shapes all starting as low as $25.
Now that we have covered the basics of topiary frames it is time to accept the challenge and get to planting. These are just some suggestions for sources to purchase your frames and there are many others out there. When you finally choose your frame be prepared for years of enjoyment from this wonderful sculpture you create.