Topiaries are easy to make and fun to grow. Starting a topiary and then maintaining it is also a great way of exposing kids of all ages to the wonders of gardening and horticulture. If you do not know what a topiary is, see our post on "What is a Topiary?" for additional detail. A topiary is defined as the clipping or trimming of a bush, tree, or shrub which results in the visible recognition of an object or shape.

Some skilled gardeners many years ago perfected this craft by first knowing the types of trees or shrubs grow well when pruned or trimmed in varying environments and conditions. Some live topiary plants will respond better than others to fertilizers, irrigation, sunshine and of course, pruning, to generate the desired outcome. And they made beautiful topiaries by hand without using any pre-made topiary forms or topiary frames.

May I suggest that if you are new to the art and science of growing topiaries, begin with a topiary form. A topiary form, like the animal topiaries below can be placed over a shrub either on the ground or in a pot. Also, you can mix a combination of soil and moss and "stuff" the topiary form which will be used as a growing substrate for the plant you select. Try and choose a plant that will do well naturally, in the area where the topiary will be placed. Either in a window sill or outdoor garden.

If you are involving children in a school gardening project or perhaps kids in a girl scout or boy scout science and nature lesson, have the kids set the topiary frame (give them gloves) over the pre-planted topiary shrub and work the branches in and through the frame wire. Then have them water the topiary plant and set it in the sun for growing. As the branches protrude through the frame, begin clipping and pruning them. Over time they will grow more dense and the foliage will cover the topiary frame itself, resulting in the desired topiary shape.

You can learn more about involving kids in gardening and horticulture by browsing our categories at www.hortikids.com and teach them about botany, entomology, and how we get our food from growing plants and vegetables.

Enjoy your Topiary!