I like rabbits. They inspire me in the spring time. I have several different bunny statues, figurines, and wire forms. I don't know what it is about them that I like, perhaps they remind me of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter. How can you not love Peter Rabbit?
One of my favorite pieces is this french wire bunny form. It was originally from Pottery Barn and has a hole in the back to put Easter Eggs in it. I have used it for a number of years, but now it's getting old and rusty. Today, I decided to make it into a topiary.
Topiaries are surprisingly easy to make yourself, you will be amazed at how simple it is.
You will need a bunny topiary form or wire form that you have made, 3-5 small ivy plants of any variety, and several bags of sphagnum moss. I bought my moss at the Dollar Store for a buck a piece. Best deal EVER!
You will also need some topiary pins. I got mine for 50 cents at the greenhouse when I bought the ivy plants. In a pinch, hair pins work just as well.
First soak the dried moss in a bucket of water for about 15 minutes. This will be rather messy, I suggest you do in the sink.
After the moss has soaked, fill the cavity of the form with the wet moss. Be sure and pack it in as tightly as possible.
My form has rather small openings between the wires, a flat edge blade helped to fill those little spaces. Keep in mind that not all small cavities need to be filled. It is just as interesting to leave some of them (the ears for example) without the moss.
After the form is filled it is time to plant. Use a screw driver or awl to poke holes between the wires for the plants.
I purchased 2 1/2" English ivy plants for this project. After removing them from the pot, I cut them up into small pieces, roots and all, with a sharp knife.
Stick the ivy roots down into each hole using a screw driver or awl. Then pin each plant to the wire form, spreading the ivy shoots around the form and pinning as you go. Plant and pin, plant and pin.
Remember, the moss in the small cavities will dry out the fastest, and your plants will have the least chance for survival if they are growing there. Avoid planting in areas to small for the roots to fully develop.
After a while, the wire form will disappear behind the ivy. I added this little butterfly from the craft store, I couldn't help myself. I love butterflies!
Planted topiary forms need to be kept in a shady area. They will also drip water, so be sure to have a tray of some sort underneath it (mine is hidden under the burlap). When the moss dries out completely, submerge the entire form in the sink or a bucket of water for 10-15 minutes. You can also add liquid fertilizer to the water occasionally. Soak, let drain and enjoy.
This entire project cost me less than $10.00. I can't wait to use it on my Easter Buffet!
Designer Mom
Perfect! I found you on the first search result. There little guys are selling for $225 near me. EEK! Heading to the dollar store tomorrow. Thanks for the nice post.
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