The Basics

Forms, or shapes on which to train plants into topiaries, are available in globes, spirals, and even teddy bears and rabbits. Using such rapidly-growing plants as ivies will assure that your form will fill out in a matter of months.

• 10- to 12-inch decorative pot
• Broken terra-cotta pieces or loose gravel
• Potting soil
• Topiary form
• Four 16-inch hyacinth sticks
• Green florist's wire (any gauge)
• Wire cutters
• Ivy (1 or 2 large hanging baskets or 4 or 5 small plants)
• Live moss
• Green cloth-covered wire (optional)
• Greening pins