Citrus Topiary

Citrus topiaries are easy to create. See instructions below. Start at the bottom and work your way up.

Artist Chris Mobley shows how to make a festive citrus topiary.

Materials:

clay pot
plaster
bamboo stick
plastic foam cone
citrus fruits
bamboo skewers

Steps:

1. Soak the clay pot in water for 20 minutes. This will prevent the pot from cracking when the plaster is added.
   
   
2. Mix and pour in plaster (available at hardware stores). Place a bamboo stick in the center of the pot. This will hold the cone. Make sure the bamboo sticks up about a foot.
   
   
3. After the plaster has dried (around 20 minutes), push the foam cone down on the stick.
   
   
4. With the bamboo skewers, pierce the fruit at one end and then, starting at the bottom of the cone, attach the fruit. Attach in a ring pattern, working your way up. Be sure to use fruits of varying size (kumquats, oranges, lemons and limes are pictured).
   
   
5. This isn't designed to be an edible piece. Keep out of sunlight to avoid mold and deterioration. The topiary should last three to four weeks.

Also in this Episode

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-411
•	Citrus Candles
•	Citrus Topiary
•	Citrus Trees in Pots
•	Household Uses for Lemons
•	Daily Smart Solutions