Pruning an Evergreen Shrub into a Topiary Form // Linda Vater

[@saraw8503]

Those snippers have a very satisfying snap.

[@LindaVater]

I agree!

[@laura2842]

Thank Linda. Not sure if I'm more impressed by the topiary work or the fact that you are out there in short sleeves!!!!!! I have the wood stove going lol. Cheers

[@LindaVater]

Especially since just last week it was -12!

[@monaleggett4412]

Thank you for demonstrating this beautiful plant into a Topiary form. I would love to see what you do with the cuttings.

[@laurend.tamayo2186]

That really came out beautiful! I love the urn shape it's in, really enhances the plant!

[@catherinemoran3325]

Now that was the best tutorial on pruning a shrub and forming a topiary. I got hooked on your youtube videos when Garden Answer/Laura introduced you sometime ago. And, so glad she did. So looking forward to your upcoming Spring projects.....

[@LindaVater]

Me tooo!🤗

[@bobbilynnmiller742]

I’m a visual learner , and watching your videos is giving me both the knowledge and confidence to try topiaries! Yes , please do another video on rooting those clippings ! Thank you for sharing your passion for growing things with us !!

[@ВикторияКоробченко-з3э]

Hello from Ukraine! I love your channel! How beautiful and professional everything is! I admire you!

[@LindaVater]

Thank you!

[@vickiejones7085]

Love this, I’ll have to try one now, please I would love to see a video of starting the cuttings. Thank you for always sharing your joy for gardening.

[@carolsuesamuelson7935]

The Cryptomeria Topiary looks beautiful. It now looks centered in its new home. Thank you for sharing.

[@terriebutler6737]

Nice work! YOU Ms Linda have inspired me to try this. Happy Spring 🌳

[@michaliareeton3247]

Hi Linda what a great start to spring and do topiary s. Just love great to watch the queen of topiary shape her Evergreen in to a beautiful shape. Looks great Linda as always. Your video is so inspiring.

[@Onandpopping23]

Love love love it!!! You created a masterpiece! Jealous of the weather there we have highs in the 40’s and I would rather have your 70’s.

[@debdd7]

Wow Linda a fabulous plant and job of forming the topiary! Your artistry is very evident in this video. Thank you for the instructions.

[@MGray-jc9uk]

It is beautiful just like all of your other topiaries, very meditative watching you, shape it.

[@theresaparodi6027]

Love the background music. . . I feel like it’s saying good bye winter, and hello spring 🌞

[@deborahr9237]

I can't wait to shop for my first topiary plant. It may be this Dragon Prince. I purchased those Garden snips from Bridgetown and I love them. They are lightweight and comfortable in the hand. Always watch your videos all the way through - they are relaxing to me and I learn something new. 52 in SW PA today...buds are forming on the trees and the snow and ice have melted! Stewart does such a good job, too.

[@LindaVater]

Truly, spring will arrive LOL!

[@janetleeharrison]

Wow, that really prunes up nicely! Looks like a much older topiary due to the fullness. That looks amazing!👍💚

[@dianegentry3255]

Thanks Linda! I have these plants in my landscape. Love them. Please do share a video about rooting those cuttings. Great video! Blessings!

[@myracamilo7826]

Wow beautiful Linda, love your video and end result of your topiary.

[@terrybouck5192]

Well I’m going to try topiaries now this year, too. You’re costing me money. Hope I can do at least a few. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@saraw8503]

I started my topiary addiction last year. Beware! When you start you won’t be able to stop.

[@suzetteccc]

@@saraw8503 Same!!!💚🌳

[@jamieflint2550]

I'm happy you showed the process! Thank you! Fun to watch 👍

[@lindaortolano7837]

Hi Linda! I so enjoyed watching you shape this topiary!! I am going outside now to find my first shrub victim! Can't wait to try your technique! I cannot believe you are wearing short sleeves!!! Crazy weather!! Have a great day and I will see you in the next one! :)

[@marcusseidel6824]

Linda I have already a cryptomeria for many years in a big pot. The goid thing is ...if a branch die back to the base ...at the base plenty new branches wil grow back. This is what I like about the cryptomeria. And I was a bit surprised ... it also produces pollen...a lot of yellow dust ... I m a big fan of cryptomeria. Regards, Marcus

[@LindaVater]

Marcus, how interesting! Thanks for sharing all your knowledge with us :-)

[@bowersmack5212]

Oh how I love cryptomeria. It has the brightest green in spring, summer and fall. The tips take on a bronzed green color in winter. Great for Christmas decorating.

[@anitahadley2871]

So very relaxing to watch! I just love your clay pots. I need to hunt down some pretty new pots and a give some pruning a try.

[@robmcnaughton1086]

Hello Linda.Thankyou for the lesson.Im going to give this a try this year.Topiaries add a different level of interest as we see in your garden.Its wonderful to see you climbing out of winter into spring.Its seemed a long one for the northern hemisphere.You are looking amazing as always.Roll on spring

[@laurieg5308]

I enjoy watching you prune topiary!

[@gretchenw358]

So glad you showed the whole process! Loved it!

[@vinithakahandaliyanage4758]

Oh!! You have a such a talent Linda🙏🏻. I am going to try my hands on topiary this spring. 😊

[@debrabray8855]

Love, love, love cryptomeria! Just got one last fall. It came through our winter storm in Texas like a champ. We'll see how it holds up to our heat. I'm a little reluctant to put it in our full sun. I'm looking forward to seeing what you plant this year as I, too, am looking for cold and heat tolerant replacement plants. I lost a lot this winter ❄️.

[@LindaVater]

It’s been such a rough year for all of us! Yes, I’ll probably put it in full sun just for the first part of the day :-)

[@cindyjohnson2668]

I am having such fun experimenting with topiary and your videos are extremely helpful.

[@corey3151]

Thanks for doing such an in depth video. I think I will try a topiary as well. It looked very intimidating till watching your video. I'm so ready to start planting.

[@LindaVater]

Go for it Corey!

[@chammons8063]

Such a soothing way to shape a gorgeous plant 💚 the choice!

[@doloresramirez3289]

Omg..Linda it was so meditating. Thank you. It looks beautiful. I am going to make one. God bless.🙏❤

[@libbywarren6083]

I love this video. You did a great job teaching.👍❤️😊

[@jeanninemorgan3526]

Enjoyed this video greatly, and I like watching the entire process. I just got 2 dragon Prince Cryptomeria- never would have thought of making topiary, but now I’m sizing them up. I got them primarily because I loved their texture 😊. Thank you to you and Stuart.

[@LindaVater]

Oh I do love its texture!

[@marianhintz9981]

I love it in the pot you put it in!! Thanks for showing us how to do it.❤️❤️

[@janecurtis5726]

I really like the look of the cryptomeria foliage, maybe you’ll use them more often in topiary work. I was thinking the same thing as Stewart with regard to the central stem! Watching you prune is so relaxing for me, I wouldn’t have minded this video as pt.1 and pt.2. My experience with Cryptomeria is a lot of cleanup in spring and fall of fallen, dead, brown and scratchy pieces of branches. I worked as an estate gardener, zone 5, southern NH for many years. Some of those years I tended the Japanese Garden where there were many, very tall Cryptomeria japonica trees. My other and first assigned garden was the Monet Garden.

[@LindaVater]

Oh Jane! The stories you could tell!!

[@Angela152half]

I’m gaining ton of information from you and your channel. I’m so thankful Laura from Garden Answer highlighted you channel. I have felt your pain with the earlier ice storm and the most recent snow storm, here in Duncan, we received 14.5” snow. Our Oklahoma weather will hopefully bring rain and beautiful color in our gardens.

[@LindaVater]

I hope so!

[@RevAcres01]

Looking to prune my first topiary this spring thanks for the great how to video. Need to find my inner hair stylist. 🌿

[@dustyacres]

I love how you just get in there and start to cut. Build yourself a turntable that can be adjustable for a good height that is comfortable

[@marcymignone3093]

I use a pot water catcher on wheels. Works great!

[@beckyloflen6724]

Please do a video on how to make new plants from clippings.

[@dawnbarnes8729]

Well, that was done in short order! Can’t wait to see where you put it in your garden! ❤️😊

[@marilynmcgillick2931]

I love watching this process! It's beautiful! And kudos to Stewart for all his fun tips and "comments"!

[@ruthwuebbeling5376]

Linda, I just ordered the Bridgetown clippers. They are offering a 15% discount for signing up. I forgot the discount code so I called the customer service phone number. The customer service representative asked how I found the website because they were receiving a lot of orders for the clippers. I told them I watch your videos and like everything you recommend. He said Linda Vater is awesome, isn't she. Of course, I said "yes". Thanks for all your wonderful garden tips. I look forward to seeing what you have planned for spring.

[@LindaVater]

Thanks for letting me know Ruth!

[@barbarastillman6276]

What a great video, Linda. Your videos can’t be too long! I have learned so much about topiary from and I wish to thank you for sharing your love and knowledge about gardening. 🌿🌷🌿

[@aletoaleto727]

Very nice!!! Love how end up looking! Thanks for sharing 🤗

[@ginafriend1690]

Ah.. I'm envious 🌞🌡!! I'm a hairstylist and your technique and info material is always spot on, Linda. Thank you! 🙌 to you, the 👑 of topiary beauty! 😍 I did topiary a shrub last year, thinking of you, and it certainly made for its regal statement!! Very meditating, Indeed!

[@laurenwellman2516]

Great inspiration. I love this kind of content. Very soothing. 😍💕

[@godschildyes]

I enjoyed this from beginning to end Linda! You have such a gift for this sort of thing and it is so fun to watch you carry out your process!

[@susanskinner8855]

Just before you said it looks like a bowl, I had thought - saucer! What a great fresh idea!

[@mimimd9652]

Loved this video! These videos are relaxing. I also appreciate knowing that when you talk about a plant, my local Lowe's store has it! I only wish I had a Monica! 😞 I loved the pot you used!

[@lincasteel-butler531]

Looks beautiful! I love the pot you chose and it just seems to fit.

[@joanshute3384]

Hi Linda and Stewart! I Love how you just get right in there and start cutting. Myself I would be scare to d that as I would think I am going to Kill the bush. You did a Fantastic job on it. Thank you for sharing this with us. So until next time God Bless you and your family and have a Blessed day and Stay Safe my dear Friends. ☺☺☺

[@MollyBearisms]

Love to watch the process from start to finish. A very helpful video!

[@frerecampbell9291]

Thanks Linda for your instructions, I will follow your suggestions.

[@nancyconnell8579]

Wow. Short sleeves on Feb. 27! Eager for plants to arrive in CT to start gardening after the snow clears.

[@sherrisclafani9702]

Good for your new full sun front yard!

[@patriciarecupero6971]

Beautiful and relaxing to watch.

[@jnerlee962]

I think I'll do a Topiary this year. It's been along long time, years since I did one. Your so good at it. 🌈🐝💐

[@mariacolwell1198]

Everething you do is beautiful. 💌❤

[@barbarasidel9012]

That looks beautiful! I’m am definitely going to do some topiary this summer. I have never done it before! 😳 however I am excited to get started.

[@marythomson3229]

Great plant choice for this! Love it!

[@cjedmon47]

Can you do a video about feeding your perennials in the early spring. What you use and how you do it.

[@LindaVater]

Yup!

[@eileenchang2173]

Hi Linda, I was also about to buy the Bridgetown snips and when I called the company, they confirmed they do not ship to Canada. I mentioned we are seeing you use these snips on your latest video and how you are enjoying them!

[@LindaVater]

Thanks Eileen!

[@j.m.7056]

Excellent lesson! I will order those long bladed snips for me and my neice!

[@j.m.7056]

Oops, niece!

[@betzie2]

Looks great! You have made me a topiary lover!♥️♥️♥️

[@sreereng]

With a little time and patience we can make a beautiful Topiary Garden at home. Everyone is welcome to the channel to see the Topiary arts we have prepared in front of the house🙂

[@marybethgardener111]

A follow-up video on the cuttings would be great!

[@janeenrodgers5993]

Very enjoyable as well as educational. 💕

[@lesliehardin7963]

You make it look so easy!

[@LindaVater]

It is!

[@janeenrodgers5993]

Very enjoyable as well as educational.

[@joysmythers5300]

Fun to see your process. Thank you for sharing!

[@elizabethpeterson7955]

Thank you for this video. It is just what I needed to tackle my first boxwood topiary.

[@JeanTOM-qb5dm]

Linda, it is always good to see this technique in real time. Thank you! Two questions: Will you protect this--bring it under cover--if your temps drop significantly to prevent newly cut tips from winter burn? And how long would you expect it to take to grow out the bottom sphere until the plant looks symmetrical--it this something that you expect would occur within two growing seasons or is it a much longer term project with a cryptomeria? Also, I have watched your propagation video a couple of times and find is most useful. Could you show us again how you would root some of those cuttings in your own garden and grow them up? I don't have access to a cold frame or greenhouse, but I do really like to start new plants from cuttings. Like other gardeners, I've had good luck with some things and no luck with others. Semi-hardwood cuttings of deciduous plants root best for me. At this time of year, I would probably throw the cuttings in a bucket of rain water while pruning, then strip a bit from the bottom to keep them hydrated, stick in rooting hormone, put into pots of sterilized soil mixed with perlite and coarse sand, place them in a protected place outdoors to root, keep them damp and PRAY. I'd hope for rooted cuttings by June and I'd be overjoyed with a 30% success rate. I'd likely not cover with a cloche--should I? Does this sound about right to root your larger cuttings of cryptomeria or is there another trick to it? Thank you!

[@LindaVater]

Jean your technique sounds spot on! At this point, I just keep checking the ten-day forecast. 10 days out I’m still looking good and don’t think I’ll bring it in. Great question

[@loriledner6528]

You make it look so easy. It’s not !!! Thank you for sharing🌳

[@lynncobert8305]

I’m in zone 5, was looking to purchase one but doesn’t look like it will work for me, how beautiful it is though. Thanks Linda

[@barbkenas5663]

That really is a pretty evergreen!

[@robertscott888]

Thank you Linda,Your just awesome!!

[@Bootstograsses]

Please! I would love a video on rooting cuttings!!! I really struggle getting them to root!

[@gpswatching]

I am terrified to try this but I need these in my landscape!! Maybe Cryptomeria will be my first attempt at topiary?

[@LindaVater]

Yes!!

[@joywhitley3141]

Thank you, thank you! Sooo inspiring and we appreciate you!! ❤️

[@carolyost6733]

Since this is a southern plant, what plant is good to use to make a topiary in zone 5B? Your video was soothing and i want to start cutting.

[@LindaVater]

Try boxwood!

[@jadebrown8907]

Love this Video. I wouldn’t mode if it was 2 hours long. I just love watching and listening to you it’s so meditating. Don’t make Stewart speed them up! ❤️

[@GardenMinistry.]

Adorable! I'm going to try this with cryptomeria one day. I bought one on clearance at Home Depot, I think it was like $4 for a 5 gallon 🥰

[@LindaVater]

Score!!!

[@zalehaburude7752]

Lovely....Linda Vater.. .😍

[@mitchhobock683]

You make it look so easy

[@tammieaddison1616]

I just stumbled on your videos. I am now hooked on wanting to start topiaries. I do have a question about a potting table. I would like to get someone to build one for me. Do you have any suggestions. It will be put in the weather so what material should be put on top? Thank you and love you videos. You have given me new inspiration. Tammie

[@LindaVater]

Wonderful! Check out gardener’s supply:)

[@TheBethyb00p]

That would be fantastic to show what you do with all the clippings!

[@LindaVater]

💪🏽

[@richiwheeler6255]

I love it you are artist ♡

[@deeaustin379]

Thank you for such an instructive video! I want to try a topiary this year. I thought this was an old video because you're in short sleeves outside. Jealous!

[@LindaVater]

Back to long sleeves today Dee!

[@dianebright9366]

Such a great, new idea to use this shrub. It’s always a pleasure to watch you work. I have a question: my boxwood topiary suffered from a heavy snowfall in NY. It broke the primary leader right off. Is this topiary finished now?

[@LindaVater]

If the plant is still alive, probably not! See if there is a way to start a new leader by letting one of the branches in the center take over

[@nitahiltner9560]

70 mph wind here today and last night, I had that plant here in socal and it did not do well.

[@marciagrant6687]

Looks great!

[@deborahpellerito6117]

I love those clippers do you thin out boxwood bushes?

[@LindaVater]

Yes:)

[@judepicton6252]

Linda thankyou fr wonderful lesson,and I agree it's always a good idea to bring alcohol into the garden ,no matter what you are doing .cheers from chilly U.K 🙊

[@LindaVater]

Hee hee. I concur!

[@sydneykasmar]

I don't understand . . . the topiary has the obvious ball formation at the top and the exposed trunk. The bottom portion is so thick that it looks more like a wreath. So does the lower trunk eventually grow so it can be pruned into a ball? or does more pruning of the lower ball need to be done in steps so as not to shock the plant?

[@LindaVater]

I said lower ball, but I guess I really meant a lower circular form. It may always stay kind of flat but will fill out. It will tell me what it wants to do as it grows :-)

[@sydneykasmar]

@@LindaVater That's so neat that you just go with the way the plant grows. Thanks. I would of put myself under the pressure of a specific shape. Love all your topiaries.

[@louisetetreault6119]

Very nice!

[@elleshepherd2506]

Hi Linda What can you tell me about your faux grass. Are their different manufacturers, colors? What’s your best advice , as I am looking to install some in an area that doesn’t get much sun. I have zoysia in full sun areas. Thanks

[@marycampbell4160]

Beautiful