Selecting Locations for Topiaries

When selecting shrubs for topiary:

• Make sure the form of the shrub is appropriate for the style of topiary.
  
• Avoid shrubs that have gaps in foliage; it will be harder to create an even shape when pruning.
  
• Choose a shrub with a main central leader or trunk that is vertically straight and very strong.

Dawson plants 'Brody' juniper (Juniperus virginiana) in the pots. This shrub is actually an eastern red cedar that is well suited to topiary. It has a tight, columnar habit and a rich green color that turns to a sage color in fall and winter. This fragrant shrub is hardy in Zones 4-9.

Dawson recommends using a heavier potting medium when planting larger shrubs in pots. A mixture of potting soil, topsoil, peat moss and organic compost creates a medium with good weight, moisture retention and nutrient levels.

At the back of the yard, an area under the shade of mature oaks is noticeably bare. Because of the shallow root systems of the oaks, Dawson uses a container topiary so he won't have to dig into the soil. Frame topiary can be placed in the ground with minimal disruption to the roots.

Once you have selected the sites and planted the shrubs, it's time to create topiaries. If you like to prune and enjoy a project developing over time, topiary can test your creativity and your patience. Traditional shrub topiary can take as long as 10 years to come into shape, but a shrub that has dense growth and grows quickly can look good in a year or two.