Greyhound Topiary - First Time Animal Topiary Help

11 years ago

last modified: 11 years ago

I would like to grow my wife a greyhound topiary, I am wanting to grow a plant through a metal frame. But I am running into a few problems.

The frame is 92cm x 114cm x 27cm and will be planted into the ground in full sunlight. (UK Midlands)

The first problem is what plant to use. I do not want to use moss. I have looked into Box, Yew, Pyracantha and Privet but have no experience on what would be best growing through the frame, Im not too fussed how long it would take to grow. But I do have lots of time to prune it so a faster growing variety would be better.

The second problem is where do you grow the plant into the frame? Do i get 4 plants and and grow each leg? Or one leg and grow down the others? Or do I grow through the middle of the frame and grow down all 4 legs? and keep the main steam woody.

Any help would be appreciated,

Thank you in advance.

Featured Answer

tete_a_tete

10 years ago

Lonicera nitida might be your plant.

It's in the honeysuckle family but bears little resemblance to honeysuckle. It has tiny leaves, grows fast, and needs your constant attention so that your greyhound won't look like it needs a shave.

You will need one small, young plant for each leg.

Not sure how you will manage this frame and the plants - getting them growing within it. Don't let any seller con you into buying big plants. Small, young, healthy plants are so much easier to plant and do so much better than their big cousins. In fact, I would use the very smallest plants possible - even rooted cuttings - because it's going to be hard getting them into where they need to go. (Have a go at rooting some - they are easy to root.)

Also *cough* may I suggest that you do a little manipulation on the greyhound before you start? His hind legs need pulling out from up near the stifles. His legs are too much underneath his belly. (Not that he has a belly.) He looks very strong though, and this might be sort of impossible to manage.

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Comments (7)

tete_a_tete
10 years ago
Was thinking about your greyhound on my dog walk.

Another plant which came to my mind is a climber called Muelenbechia complexa. It has tiny leaves on wirey (but not hard) stems. It may be a lot easier to use this, because those paws look very small.

Muelenbechia, like Lonicera, grows easily from cuttings. You could plant rooted cuttings or small plants at the base of each paw, or where each paw will go, then put the greyhound on top.

Or, I guess, plant the greyhound first.

How will you plant the greyhound?
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doctorroo1
10 years ago
What a nice husband! I have greyhounds too, but no advice on topiaries. I bet she will love it.
Xtal in Central TX, zone 8b
10 years ago
You might also want to look into Variegated Wax Myrtle. Drought tolerant. Small leaves and stems that handle a little bending. I wanted to do a dog outside my fence with a big water bowl in front (for all the little critters that are thirsty). But, too many other projects came first. I hope you post some pictures of your progress... I need the stimulation.
Xtal in Central TX, zone 8b
10 years ago
Thomas,

What plant did you finally use? I hope you'll post a picture of your efforts.

Xtal
Xtal in Central TX, zone 8b
9 years ago
I live in zone 8B here in Central Texas where it gets blazing hot. I've talked to several Master Gardener friends and they all say to use rosemary. I would plant one at each leg. You must already have the frame. I think I would make mine because the framework is already the size of what it should look like planted and grown. I think plants will make it look too obtuse. I'd make a thinner skeleton. It will bulk up at least a couple of inches on all sides. But, that is just me. It would probably make a difference if it were moss vs another plant.

Please post your photos when you have some. My idea might take next year before I can work on it. Good luck.
Xtal in Central TX, zone 8b
9 years ago
Muelenbechia complex gets my vote since it was mentioned. I would probably stick with the rosemary for Central Texas. But, I'd need to do some serious work to get the specific variety that I'd want. I'm sure I can find it at the Herb Festival next year in Round Top.