How to Create a Double Ball Topiary out of a Two Gallon Shrub

[@sheilamashburn1795]

A true sculptor, removing all the unnecessary bits to reveal the real identity within! Thank you for sharing! I now have 3 formed topiaries and 6 in transition!

[@sosoutherncustomequestrian4598]

Hi Linda! I have to say I absolutely love your channel and I've been going crazy with it:) You've given me the courage to start doing topiaries and now I'm looking for ugly shrubs and pots all the time. Since I lost my. beloved horse Cappy last May, gardening as been my new happy place and provides me with alot of peace in my heart. Thank you!

[@junesmart7352]

Amazing that the floppy boxwood became this love topiary-in-training! Thanks for letting us watch the process and realizing we can topiary almost any shrub.

[@farmgirlBdub]

It's a feed scoop, you can pick them up at any farm supply store! I love the topiary, and I can't wait to make one! Thanks Linda!

[@tonifoster660]

I found a lazy-susan at a garage sale that would be great for turning a project like this. Thanks for the tips and tricks!

[@janecurtis5726]

Just watching you clip away and with the birds singing made for a very meditative moment for me. I am also very fond of pruning plants. Your new topiary has s great start! Hope to see it again as it matures into a full topiary.

[@lindaplumley4060]

Looking forward to a video on starting new plants from cuttings!🌿

[@MaggYela]

I love your topiaries, the tips and everything, but going beyond... I love your red hunter boots.

[@LindaVater]

Why thank you!

[@nancymcvey6932]

I hate when people accuse me of lolly-gagging when I’m quite clearly dilly-dallying! Linda, fellow OKC gardener here. I’m a big fan and am now learning the art of topiary. Thank you for your instruction on all things gardening, decorating, and outdoor fashion. Will you consider an in-person garden tour for your adoring fans?

[@jackphilips187]

But why

[@baskitcase1]

Loved hearing Stewart’s voice. It made him come alive and not just a ghost in the background. The tutorial was spot on. I’m going to have to make the rounds to see what I can find. In fact I am going to dedicate one day a week for garden shopping.

[@IFuzzyWuzzyDoodle]

Such fun watching what was a wild and wooly shrub transformed into an obedient and tidy topiary, well done!

[@debweissler7808]

Okay, gathered some courage and planted two Green Beauty boxwoods in pots yesterday, grabbed my Fiskars snippets and went to town! My very first topiary, despite living just across the river from Colonial Williamsburg’s inspiring gardens all these years. And you are right, the pea gravel makes an awesome mulch!

[@allysonh6410]

Stewart! Whhhyyyyyy?! Like so woulda loved to have seen the top!! 😭🤷‍♀️🤪

[@LindaVater]

Eek! We’ll do better next time and I’ll show you a finished product tomorrow. 🙏🤪🙏

[@allysonh6410]

@@LindaVater Yay!!! Thank you!!

[@caroldieter2483]

Linda Vater thank you!

[@lididays4630]

No one was filming in my opinión.

[@mimimd9652]

I've been practicing my topiary skills on small myrtle seedlings that are growing amongst my neighbor's dead trees (32 of them) and I am having a great time. I really appreciate all of your tips. You are so generous with information and I learn something on every video I watch. I am so glad I found you - my yard is looking better every day and because I am not watching the news as much, I think my blood pressure has dropped slightly:)

[@bridgetulrich1711]

Beautiful topiary! I have never tried this but now I’m interested to try it - I’ll keep a look out for a nice boxwood to try

[@maryglidden2943]

You have given me a love for topiary! I have bought 3 small boxwoods ( on clearance!!) and have a sweet start of my topiary collection! I'm now on the lookout for a taller one and try my hand on a double topiary . Would love to have Stuart do some closeup camera work when you are clipping and showing how to tie the trunk to the stake.

[@sandraryan7713]

We could not see any cutting on top ball. Stuart needed to move the camera up. Thanks for lesson.

[@christiedutton2751]

I'm a fellow OKC gardener. I love, love, love your style of gardening. I also love boxwoods. I got some topiary frames in the shape of a bear, a teapot, a bunny and a elephant take I started this year.

[@judyyork1114]

That is a feed scoop for livestock. I've had one for years that I used to feed my calves with. The last few years it's been a handy garden tool . You should be able to find one at a tractor supply or Atwoods or maybe even a locally-owned feed store.

[@boonieloo4792]

LOVE watching your videos Mrs. Linda!! Love all things garden as well as thrift store treasures you find. Love how genuine you are as well.💗💗💗💗

[@aprilrrain]

Stuart speaks! Interesting working dynamic, you guys have.. we could all use a Stuart in our lives! 💐

[@gracematter]

I don't have time to watch the video right now, but I did want to say, I love those red rubber boots! Oh, and your hat is to die for!

[@ritascott4040]

I bet she’s sneaking in an advertisement! I was noticing those boots myself!

[@ASH-kj9xt]

Thank you, Linda & Stuart! This was a lesson I needed as I have two boxwood I want to make into double ball form, but have been very nervous about it. Appreciate your time and efforts to educate us! “Lollygag” is an expression I’ve heard my entire life (also dilly dally, dawdle, loafing, all used to express the same intent), but I have no idea where it came from either! 😂 🙌💚🌿🌳

[@susandudley171]

Thank you for the tutorial. A Lazy Susan would make turning pot so easy. I use one for painting. Don't you love it when others put in their 2 cents. Lol.. love your channel, garden and videos.

[@LindaVater]

No! I love it! Great idea....actually I bought one shortly after this video 😂!

[@NurseJacqueline]

Using a lazy Susan was one of my thoughts also! Another thing that would help us Linda would be if you could find a way to stand the white board up behind the plant all during the cutting process so that we can see more clearly what you are doing at each cut. Thank you so much for your wonderful sharing. I absolutely love your garden and you!

[@dobnerk]

@@NurseJacqueline Yes! That's what I was thinking as I was watching. It was very difficult to see what you were doing? If you had the white board up behind the topiary as you worked, we would have had a better look at it. Otherwise, great tutorial!

[@sweetie2343]

Tractor supply carries similar scoops 💜 I have two, I ❤️ Thank you for the start to finish video, loved it!

[@vinetiamcgreevy9609]

I could watch you construct a topiary everyday. I thought this boxwood would not work the way it was leaning over in the the beginning.😊 Well you worked it out great!

[@brigittekochan9016]

Watched this video yesterday. I happened to stop at an Amish feed store. They had the scoops you referenced. They are Feed Scoops made in Minnesota. I purchased the 3and 4 quart sizes. They are galvanized steel. Thanks for the tip.

[@DixieGirl9876]

I also leave terra cotta pots out year round, I had a pair of huge pots that finally gave it up after 18 years outdoors. BTW doing some gravel soon as top dressing of a potted hibiscus, and some more pots , thanks for the inspiration. Yes, those scoops are fab! I have several I've picked up while thrifting and use for potting, kitty litter and of course for feeding the chickens. Tractor supply stores carry those feed scoops. Thanks for sharing, you make it look easy!

[@saraw8503]

I have been watching lots of bonsai trimming and niwaki trimming. The cloud pruning is really teasing my creative juices.

[@SweeTart77kkibble]

Cut a bleach bottle (with handle) in half to use upside-down for a perfect scoop. Bottom half of the bottle can be used as a plant pot saucer too. We use in the greenhouse, potting shed (yes I am blessed with both) and bird seed. Love this channel

[@gardengal26]

I love that term "lollygagging"! I use it with my own kids and students at times.🤣 I was wondering, the topiary is not centered in the pot, I know this is due to the direction it was growing in its original pot, but would you ever go back at some point and correct that or move it to another pot? It would drive me crazy! Lol

[@charandes3213]

We use those scoops for our animal feed. Get them at the feed stores.

[@friedahickman8022]

check out a farm store to find the metal scoop. That's where I bought one years ago.

[@amydiericks7139]

Great tutorial - love your hat!

[@annashiegl]

I want that hat too, do you think it's a straw hat? It's hard to tell

[@melodydaly8046]

I really enjoy your explanations of how to do things. You make everything seem achievable. Inspired by you, I am just beginning adding topiary to my garden. Thank you so much for all your advice.

[@lizeee7840]

This was so relaxing to watch, love it. Thanks for sharing

[@bellsideas2866]

Love the red boots and of course, watching your video. You’re the BEST❤️

[@rubenrobles1162]

.......Newbie here, just came across your videos & I am really enjoying them. Now that I finally have a yard to call my own, I'm going to rely heavily on your knowledge. Thank You! P.S. You have an awesome back yard!!

[@nicholasnoll-lamantia6098]

I am so excited to give this a try!!!! Thank you for sharing!!!

[@Oregonracer2]

You probably won't see this, but you can get those metal scoops at the feed store. We use them to scoop out grain. There is a big and little size.

[@godschildyes]

This is excellent! Gonna do this with my daughter! Thank you so much for this! Looks like so much relaxing fun!

[@beckyhagberg5211]

Another awesome video! I have been so overwhelmed with the state of my garden, but your enthusiasm & love for gardening has inspired me once again. Thank you!! 🌺🦋

[@angaeltartarrose6484]

How interesting to watch you choose to stake~straighten the boxwood... ! ..because i would have planted the root ball crooked & let the plant stand straight that way!

[@judyyork1114]

PS I watch all your videos have been a fan for years. Fellow Okie Gardener here in Norman. Would love to visit your garden some day if they ever let us start having tours again.

[@dottiekonarski5340]

I love your gravel scoop. I have a very similar one and I got it at a farm store (Agway) many, many years ago. It's for scooping out the poop from the rabbit cages. At least that's what we used it for. I still have it and use it for several gardening chores. I wonder if they still make them.

[@jensingerlady]

You inspired me to try it out on an eastern red cedar volunteer in my flower bed. It looks good so far.

[@itsmewende]

I could see how that would be meditative, might have to find myself a boxwood begging to be a topiary. Yrs ago on Garden's Diary one garden she went to the owner had, either huge topiary or arborvitae in pots on round plant dollies, easy peasy for turning to the sun.

[@donniellecarney7067]

I love “I’m kind of a boxwood slut”... well, join the crowd cause I’m a hydrangea whore!!! I absolutely LOVE hydrangeas, and I have 15 different varieties and still adding more!!! 😂😂😂

[@Finnswife3]

I agree there needs to be a little better videography but I have boxwoods that have been struggling and that I’ve been planning on moving. This has inspired me to put at least one in a pot and try a topiary. Thanks for that!

[@pamelacarroll]

Go to your local livestock feed store for those scoops. They come in a couple of sizes. I started using them for horse feed and then bought some for my potting soil and compost!

[@NurseJacqueline]

Linda I absolutely love your videos! I feel I am learning so much from you and am very appreciative! But..... I felt so frustrated while watching this one. I was so excited to learn how you do the double ones, sadly just could not see it well at all. Would you please consider doing another tutorial on doing a double? I think a lot of us are wondering what the heck Stewart was doing during this video. I also would like for you to consider putting a white board behind the topiary during the whole process so that we can see and maybe some zooming in would be nice. Also could you maybe show this topiary now so that we can get a look at the top or have you already done so?

[@joywhitley3141]

Hey Linda, great video! You give us confidence to try. Thank you for your expertise. 🌻

[@claireewing6188]

This is just Exactly What I wanted! Thank you, Linda!

[@deborahhopkins7763]

Turned out fantastic! 👍🏻😃

[@vanessamaistry7757]

First time watching your video and thank you sooo much for sharing.. I loved loved your video.. I've never attempted a topiary but I'm tempted into trying.. Thank you all the way from South Africa

[@brendabraun5522]

I wish the camera man would have shown the top of it. Looked like it was cut off.

[@jackphilips187]

Yeah I wanted to see that

[@jeanieh9386]

It’s meditative to WATCH you trim the boxwood.

[@baskitcase1]

Saw some ‘vintage type” feed scoops on Etsy and Wayfair.

[@ABLeveryday]

Most livestock feed stores will have those scoops. Great video as always!

[@PennyFant]

Love this and love your channel! I’ve got a question that I’ve not been able to find an answer to: can crepe myrtle be formed into a topiary? I have a couple black diamond crepe myrtles that are about the size of your shrub. Thanks for your help!

[@robinmckinney1264]

Thank you for bein" Real ! It is refreshing, my fellow Tope Ho' 😂

[@debrapowell806]

Had no desire to buy a boxwood but it called out to me because it was struggling and marked down to $3 repot feed and haircut she looks happy.

[@victoriabourgeois3273]

Linda.I stick with you till the end of your videos. Tried my hand at the two box woods I purchased, and wish I had checked out how to salvage the larger pieces. I can tell you have youth on your side cuz I never could have sat like you did. Wonder if pea gravel in a full sun area will be too hot? Tfs cheers

[@myracamilo7826]

Thank you Linda, you are brilliant!

[@peynattyl]

🤗😝 Thank you! Buying a couple and making my own!

[@marykuhn7510]

I loved this video. I have several that were bought preshaped. My favorite thing for my garden .Thanks!Mzry

[@spolbe]

Thank you for wearing the Military Red Hunter Boots, beautiful garden.

[@barbll000]

Great video. Very inspirational. You make it look so easy :)

[@orangeduc3129]

Please thanks for your info and I appreciate your time you have for us

[@clc1302]

Just love your videos!

[@jeanieh9386]

I can’t imagine Linda ever lolly gagging!

[@latebloominghippie]

💚 The “uncut” version!

[@LindaVater]

Lol!

[@kendallhawkins5776]

At what point do you start cutting the the top ball to turn it into a double ball?

[@LindaVater]

Immediately if it needs it

[@lauracastellanos7303]

Nice demonstration! That scoop you use for your gravel is an animal feed scoop. Look for it in the feed stores or online!

[@amynelsongreen3243]

Thank you, Linda! I am really new to topiary but just bought a green mountain boxwood formed into several smaller balls that grow outward at different heights around the main trunk (think Dr. Seuss tree). The nursery owner said I could wrap some wire around the stem to each ball to help train the growth outward away from the main trunk. Do you have any advice about this? I wonder if it is necessary or if stakes might work better. I don’t want to damage the bark or the stems.

[@lincasteel-butler531]

Awesome and thank you! Curious, how long until it becomes the "perfect" double?

[@ginettegingras7081]

Thank you for sharing !

[@whimsicallywhimsywhimsical363]

Love you channel! I’m a new subscriber!

[@cyndigandy5611]

Linda thank you so much for sharing. Do you buy them with longer branches to start with? I have found any like that. Or is it a certain variety??

[@marianrussom631]

Linda, This was another wonderful video. I appreciated that you said don't be afraid. You EVEN make me feel like I can do some of the things you show us!Rocky Question: Ha! Can you please tell me the exact name and color of the gravel? I looked but I can't tell which one is yours. It seems to have a reddish color and I like it because it goes w/ my house brick. I didn't find a red gravel online so if you would give me more info? THANKS! Also I NEED info on artificial turf: where do you have it down, the grass all look real to me! Brand, type, etc. please. How was it installed to lay flat. (This is new to me but I am interested. I'd rather hear from you than a salesman who may or may NOT know how to help me. You have a sweet personality and I really do LOVE watching you. You give me info. and cpurage to think about trying uncharted waters. And for that I deeply THANK you!

[@wingingitsemiretiredlife2981]

Maybe some sort of drop cloth as a backdrop would work better while cutting for demonstration. It was very difficult to differentiate the topiary from the background. I'm in zone 6 and my shrubs do not last in containers only arborvitae works well. Can arborvitae be made into topiary form?

[@shellslaraine9295]

I am so going to try this..it will probably end up a mess BUT ...if I never try i will never know if its something I may be good at.

[@diannefields6637]

What are you clipping with? Doesn’t look like your pruners. Scissors?

[@justjones5430]

What's the Latin for Boxwood? Is it a type of Buxus? (Which we call 'Box' in the UK.) I wondered if it was the same genus. 🙂

[@LindaVater]

👏 yes

[@justjones5430]

Thanks 😁

[@anneclark1330]

Stuart! We couldn't see the too part of the topiary. Couldn't see Linda working on it!!!🤪

[@lnngiri]

Root cutting . Love to know about it

[@michaliareeton3247]

Hi loved your video very interesting and helpful l have wanted yo have a go at making a double ball topiary so after watching you video l know how to do it so thank you.

[@juneshockley3279]

I love your blog. How do you keep all of your topiaries watered?

[@GardenDoodles]

So interesting and very helpful.

[@mitchhobock683]

Good job

[@elanatassone4346]

that's fantastic, thankyou.

[@Surixurient]

Hi Linda, wondering what brand of turf you have and if any of your videos feature an up close look at it.

[@cyndiamontgomery6524]

I found the feed scoop for just over $10 on Amazon, right below the search listing for the one you posted.

[@orangeduc3129]

Nice job done

[@xz9376]

Does Green velvet boxwood make a good topiary? Thanks!

[@genie1334]

GORGEOUS VIDEOS!!!!!!!!

[@alfredstark1653]

Beautiful work... Very inspirational.

[@juneshockley3279]

Would it help to put your plant on a lazy Susan as you trim?

[@dustyacres]

How big does a tree or shrub have to be to start a topiary?

[@fritula6200]

Would appreciate video on plant cuttings.

[@melissacater7443]

Very instructional!! Thank you! Would you post a picture of the completed topiary on Instagram, so that we can see the top ball?

[@LindaVater]

Yes! Plan on doing so tomorrow!