A faux topiary can be built using a variety of creative bases:pegs, mesh, and even upside-down tomato cages. But for a realistic, rustic look, a clipped tree branch will work just fine. Find a straight branch 3' to 5' in length, and use a hacksaw to trim to length. You may find it useful to use offshoots of this main branch for structural purposes, so trim them back with pruning shears, but don't remove them entirely.
The branch will need to stand up, so drill a hole in the base of a piece of 4x4 lumber. Choose a paddle bit that is equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of your branch for the perfect fit. The length of the 4x4 will depend on the planter you select for this project. Cut the board so that the height of the wood is slightly below the top of the planter.
The beauty of a true evergreen spiral topiary is in the taut, sculpted lines. To create this look with a faux evergreen, you'll need to build on a great foundation. A foam pipe insulation is similar to a pool noodle, but thinner and narrower, making it more flexible.
When selecting an evergreen garland for this topiary, a wire-strung product is the easiest to work with. Two 6 foot strands were used to cover this 6 foot foam tube insulator.
Start at one end and loop the needles around the foam, twisting the ends like bread ties. As you work, the garland will begin to disguise the foam.
Wrap a second length of garland around the insulation in a similar fashion, to help cover any exposure. Depending on the density of the needles in your garland, a third of the garland may or may not be necessary.
Short lengths of floral wire will allow you to secure the length of foam wrapped in a garland to the standing branch. Start at the top of the frame and attach the garland to the branch. Work your way down, winding the garland in a spiral as you go. Use additional wire to attach the garland to the twigs on the branch to reinforce the positioning of the spiral.
Twisting the vegetation into position can expose the foam once again. Take a moment to re-needle for complete coverage.
Emily Fazio, 2015
Make an all-season spiral topiary out of a branch and an evergreen.
Emily Fazio, 2015
Make a spiral topiary for the holidays using a branch and an evergreen.
From:Emily Fazio From:Emily FazioIf you are going to keep the topiary indoors, cover the inside of the planter with burlap or a piece of cloth. For outdoor use, fill the planter with soil and cover with moss.
