Topiaries shape style of garden

You need to decide whether the wire or shrub topiary is best for you.
If you want to take the concept of the living fence to the next level and create a living backyard sculpture, try a topiary.
Steiner said there are two types of topiaries: A topiary grown on a wire frame, and a shrub topiary that's planted in the ground and trimmed into shape during a period of several years.
Each type of topiary has advantages and disadvantages.
To grow a topiary on a wire frame, you must first fill the frame's hollow center with sphagnum moss -- a substitute for soil.
Sphagnum moss is similar to Spanish moss in texture, but unlike Spanish moss, it supplies some nutrients to plant life.
However, since sphagnum moss is not nearly as rich in nutrients as soil, you'll need to fertilize the topiary weekly.
After the wire frame has been filled with sphagnum moss, you can then plant ivy, Irish moss, hens and chicks -- whatever type of greenery suits your fancy.
"Just use your imagination," Steiner said.
For example, if you buy a wire frame in the shape of a crocodile, you could use hens and chicks for the crocodile's eyes, Irish moss for its face and ivy for its back, Steiner said.
Wire frames come in all shapes and sizes and range in price from as little as $30 to as much as $500.
Most garden centers carry wire frames.
Mellinger's sells small frames, and Inglis Greenhouse and Gift Shop in Boardman sells large frames.
One disadvantage to wire frame topiaries is that they must be brought indoors during winter.
"The topiary would die if it were left out all winter because the roots of the plants are exposed to the elements," Steiner explained.
Shrub topiaries
Shrub topiaries, on the other hand, can stay outside all year long since their roots are planted firmly in the ground.
"Boxwood is a good choice for a shrub topiary," Steiner said.
The disadvantage to this kind of topiary is that you have to wait a few years for it to gain shape.
But whatever type of topiary you choose, each requires a lot of work.
"Wire frame topiaries need watered constantly because the moss dries out easily," Steiner said, "and both types need constant pruning to maintain their shape.