The Gardener's Q&A:(continued)
You have such beautiful topiaries
in the herb garden at Well-Sweep. What's your secret? I'm very interested
in growing one myself. Is it difficult to do?
We're
pleased that you have enjoyed the topiaries that we grow at our farm.
Successful topiary growth does require a great deal of patience, but
with a little skill and determination, you, too, can create beautiful
topiaries.
It's important to realize
when first starting out that topiaries don't develop their interesting
shapes overnight. Most will usually look straggly in the beginning.
By paying attention, however, to the following suggestions, your efforts
will be well rewarded.
The first step is to
choose an appropriate plant. We recommend herbs that will develop woody
stems. Several of our favorites include rosemary, myrtle, lemon verbena,
pineapple sage, and scented geraniums.
Select a plant with
a straight center stem. Then trim away all growth on the lower two thirds
of the plant. Continue to prune any leaves that may sprout in this area.
By prohibiting the plant from growing sideways, you encourage upward
growth instead.
When the plant reaches
the height you desire, snip it at the top to encourage the plant to
begin to branch out.
As your topiary begins
to fill in, support its heavy top by wiring it to a metal stake. Be
certain to check the tightness of the wire once a month to prevent it
from cutting the trunk as it thickens.
Trim your topiary only
on sunny days. This prevents the growth of fungus in the plant's "fresh
wounds" that often occurs when topiaries are trimmed in damp weather.
Use shears or hand clippers
to shape the topiary. Decide if you prefer a flat-topped or crown-shaped
topiary, and prune your plant accordingly.
Once you've had success
with a single-ball topiary, experiment with two and three-tiered plants.
Be certain to contemplate the height of each ball before you begin cutting.
Let the main stalk at the top of the first ball grow through, and be
certain to leave enough space to accommodate the anticipated size of
the second or third ball. In our multi-tiered topiaries, we prefer to
create bare stems between the balls to enhance the design.
As with any potted herb,
water your topiary when the top of the sod feels dry to the touch. In
addition, feed your plant every three weeks with a quality plant food.
(If we can answer
any questions about your topiary's growth, please feel free to call
the farm during regular hours. We wish you great success and enjoyment
in your new undertaking.)
I want very much to have my
own herb garden. The problem is I have a full-time job, a family and
little time for myself. Is there any way I can manage this?
Of
course you can have your own herb garden. I have four suggestions which
may make your dream a reality.
First, thoroughly plan
your garden before you start. Decide where you'll place it so it gets
enough sun. What plants will you get the most enjoyment and use from?
How about some culinary herbs to use in the kitchen or some flowering
perennials for cutting and arranging?
I recommend basil, rose
geranium, lovage, rosemary, and lavender. Basil is easy to grow, can
be used in herb vinegars and any tomato dish, and makes a great pesto.
Rose geranium leaves lend a delicate floral taste to jelly, cakes and
cookies.
The young tender leaves
and stems of lovage are delicious in potato salad. Dry the older stalks
and leaves to use throughout the year in stews, soups and dressings.
Rosemary is wonderful fresh, frozen or dried in chicken, beef, lamb
and pork dishes.
Plant lavender and use
the flower heads in potpourris, cakes, cookies, or tea. Bunches can
be cut to dry and used in dried arrangements. Other flowering herbs
will attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden.
Second, start small.
Your first attempt need be no larger than 3' x 6' (18 sq. ft.). Space
your plants 18 inches apart. This will give you enough room for 12 to
15 plants. A small garden means less time spent caring for it. Then
next year if you have the desire and a bit more time, you can expand
it.
Third, mulch. A two
inch cover of either shredded hardwood or wood chip mulch is probably
the best friend a gardener with little time can have. Mulching decreases
the amount of watering a garden requires by helping to retain moisture.
It helps cut back on weeds so you spend less time weeding, and it helps
to increase your garden's productivity. Your plants will be happier
surrounded by mulch so they'll produce more for you.
Fourth, ask for help!
If your children are old enough, encourage them to help you in the garden.
It's a terrific learning experience for a child to care for a plant
and reap its rewards. Herbs have lots of scents and everyone enjoys
smelling them.
