Ficus repens monkeys (Photo courtesy of River Oaks Plant House)	Juniper spiral	Ivy soldier

Topiary

In the past decade consumers have discovered the use of topiary as a good way to add formality, personality or whimsy to their gardens. As a result, this product category has gone from the obscure to the mainstream. Homeowners wanting an architectural look might seek topiary balls, spirals or cones. A customers whose tastes lean more toward the outrageous might look for a peacock, monkey or dancing bear. And what versatility! Topiary can serve as accents in the landscape or as specimen focal points and centerpieces. Your retail presentation will help suggest how the product is used. There are two basic types of topiary: Pruned woody material and frame-and-moss types, which are typically covered with creeping fig or ivy. Some of the most popular styles of late are geometric shapes, which can be made from both types of topiary. Smaller animals, generally made of frame and moss, are also popular. Larger animals, including life-sized elephants, horses and giraffes, may not be in great demand by consumers, but could be a great focal point of your garden center. Ficus repens topiary Description: Very versatile ivy for frame/moss topiary. It can withstand full sun, shade and interior situations. Advantages: Can be placed almost anywhere. Will brown in winter only if temperatures drop below 25F, said Daniel Saparzadeh, owner of River Oaks Plant House, a topiary grower in Houston who has been featured in Architectural Digest, Smithsonian and other magazines. Creeping fig will freeze below 18@F but can be covered for winter protection. Care: Virtually all it needs is water, Saparzadeh said. The plant is virtually disease and insect free. Recommendations: Creeping fig is excellent for small topiary figures since they have smaller leaves than ivy. The smaller leaves and tight growth make for a better shape. Pruned-shrub topiary Description: Many shrubs are suitable for topiary, especially coniferous and small-leaved evergreen shrubs commonly used for hedges. Some recommendations are junipers, yews, boxwoods and yaupon holly. Advantages: Shrub topiary is easy to care for and there is an evergreen choice suitable for almost any climate. They can live indefinitely and are relatively permanent items in the garden. Care: Treat it like you would any other shrub. Prune when needed to keep desired shape. Recommendations: Display both in singles and in groups. As singles, they are nice impulse items. Displaying as groups encourages bulk sales. Hedera topiary Description: Ivy's foliage makes for graceful topiary. There are hundreds of varieties available with different leaf colors and shapes. Advantages: Ivy is one of the hardiest vines suitable for frame/moss topiary. Some varieties and species are adapted to USDA Hardiness Zone 4. Care: Spider mites are the major pest. In case of infection, rinse the foliage with a mixture of dish soap and water or with a commercial insecticidal soap. Recommendations: Ivy topiary is best suited for shady areas. Covered patios are ideal. For more: Daniel Saparzadeh, River Oaks Plant House, 3401 Westheimer St., Houston, TX 77027; (888) 866-6539; fax (713) 621-9662.

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