My Favorite Plant for Indoor/Outdoor Tabletop Gardening

[@kokeshidoll5863]

I live in zone 9, the Phoenix desert. Have two 12 year old myrtle hedges that get full sun year round and thrive as long as they get plenty of water. I much prefer myrtle to boxwood. They're beautiful, easy, evergreen and produce tiny white flowers and blue berries twice a year. Am encouraged to try myrtle as topiary after watching your topiary videos. I have two large Japanese blue and white hibachi and I've never known what to do with them or what to put in them. I'm now envisioning large myrtle topiary. I think the contrast of the green against the blue and white will be spectacular. Thanks for your videos Linda.

[@DLynne222]

After watching your videos in 2020, I bought 2 of the Myrtles in the fall of 2020. I kept them inside over winter and I set the 4 inch pots each down inside a tall drinking glass--though they did not go all the way down inside the glass, they were suspended about 4 inches from the bottom, so they never sat in the water. Next, I lifted the plant out of it's own pot and put a cotton wicking cord through the hole in the bottom of the pot, then put the plant back in so the wick rested inside the pot. The wick draped down inside the drinking glass into some water in the glass. All winter I would just water the plant maybe once a week. The water that ran through the pot when I watered would drain down into the glass replacing any water that had been wicked up into the plant between waterings. Doing this the 2 plants stayed moist all winter and into the spring of 2021. Having them in the wicking setup was very successful, the plants were never too wet or too dry. Then in the spring I potted up the plants into traditional terracotta pots, without the benefit of a wicking setup, and sat them outside in very bright but not direct sunlight. I did heed your warnings and I did very well keeping them watered daily for several weeks, but then one hot day I was gone too many hours between waterings. Seriously it was less than 48 hours, I only missed one day! Sure enough they dried out enough they did not survive. Lesson learned. If I try them again I will keep them always in a wicking setup, and still check on them every day. They are so lovely, but just so risky for me, with everything else I need to care for outside. But I'm inspired now! Maybe I will try again. Thank you!

[@LindaVater]

I understand!

[@cafefay]

Last August I bought a boxwood at half price and made my first topiary. It has done so well I just bought 3 more for $3 at my Walmart. I'm definitely going to look for the myrtle for an indoor plant. Love topiaries💚

[@sydneykasmar]

Looking forward to topiary month - you have so much knowledge and experience with these and I'm happy that you share it. Your collection of Myrtle topiaries is beautiful.

[@LadyCourtney13]

Love my myrtle topiaries. I have four, they are living their best lives out in my arbor, they get a lot of sunshine, lots of water, lots of humidity....they need a haircut, might go out and do that. But I rarely fertilize, maybe i need to start. I winter them over in a south facing window in my bedroom. Where I will see them daily, in my face kind of thing, so I water them daily. DON'T LET THEM DRY OUT. I have killed a few, not going to lie, but Loi gave me some really good advice many years ago, and he is the master. Well, you also Linda, ;) My daughter lives in SC, and she has to put hers in a spot that has some shade, too much sun caused issues. But mine in Virginia can withstand a lot more sun.

[@teri3999]

I love that your baskets come with a great plastic liner. I use them for when Im going out of town to help with water and when I bring home 6packs or small plants that I can’t plant right away so they don’t easily dry out.

[@charlesperez9976]

Being a Bonsai nerd,I am fascinated by their lovely cousins,the topiary! You do magnificent work with them,I marvel at your topiary videos🥰🥰😍😍😍

[@charlesperez9976]

Oh,yes,spider mites,they are the WORST!!😫

[@susanschellberg4509]

I never really appreciated topiaries until I started watching your channel. Now I'm starting to incorporate them into my garden. You are right clipping is very meditative.

[@alice_rabbit8345]

You inspired me to try topiary! I bought a Green Gem boxwood last year. It’s in a pot on my front steps! 🪴 I bet sea shells would look great as a top dressing for a beach theme!

[@cindygibbons4727]

That’s a great idea for the shells. 😊

[@marcellakidd2079]

I’d love to try my hand at topiaries

[@poppyowen4634]

I just stopped this video in the middle and ran over to water my myrtle topiary. Thanks for the reminder! 😂

[@ritasinger4208]

This is the informative video I’ve been waiting to see. Thank you for keeping us informed in topiary. Watching you is encouraging to a newbie like me.

[@nitahiltner9560]

I have a brush cherry topiary outside. I love them.

[@judymiddleswart9350]

I found 2 myrtle plants at Lowe’s I have had 2seasons in Black urns.. I’ve trimmed in ball form but they are a good size I may try my hand at cloud pruning.. on gulf coast and we have had daily rain for 2 months they are very happy on my patio!! Thanks Linda great hints n ideas!! 👏👏♥️

[@carmengholipour426]

LINDA THANKS FOR THE GOOD IDEAS HOW TO USE OUR TOPIARIES TO DECORATE FOR HOLLIDAYS OR BIRTHDAYS PARTIES.

[@BB-ej9hk]

The topiary look goes with the grand millennial style very well which seems to be on trend now. You go, Linda Scissor Hands!

[@gardener5158]

I never had an appreciation for topiaries until I discovered your channel...now they fascinate me!

[@colleenvandekraats657]

Linda you are so spot on about the watering of the myrtle plants!!!! I purchased one and thought I was doing a good job but it wasn’t enough. I hope to try again…….stay cool everyone!!!!!

[@cathykirkmcrae7727]

I wish I had a more sunny window to put them in. I definitely would have them in my home.

[@annierampersad3982]

Thanks Linda for the tips on topiary. I would use a rosemary plant to create a standard topiary.

[@robertalaprade5612]

I'm inspired by this Linda!! Great photography Stewart!

[@beverlyasleson3321]

Love all the topiaries and the different additions for each theme. Since I don’t have one I hope I can win one.

[@kathyley5661]

I have to create a topiary! I bet cranberries would look nice at Christmas time.

[@Mialovely2]

I really enjoy all your tips on growing topiaries. They have always been my favorite plant. I really would like to find a myrtle kind. 🍃

[@bonniemiller9197]

How amazing are topiaries? For spring entertaining, I would use my stash of birds nests and add a faux bird to each one. Living in the woods has it's perks as I find several nests a year. Thanks Linda!!!!

[@annasyl12]

Inspiring, brave, funny.

[@barbaracarlson1331]

Oh. That would be a wonderful gift!

[@RG91977]

Beautiful video, exactly what I needed to get inspired in my garden with this temperatures !!!

[@shirleygermain5707]

I first thought of cranberries topping a topiary for Christmas decor.

[@judyburton6338]

I needed this information on how to take care of a topiary. I killed two by letting them dry out. Will know better next time. Thank you.

[@ileneshulan1849]

Loved this Topiary segment, as I do all of a yours. Ashamed to say I killed 3 Japanese boxwood I bought from Lowes, dried out. I’m in S Florida . I’m not giving up yet. I now know about watering . Thks to you.

[@BrightestBlessings7899]

I agree that Gardeners are eternal Optimists. I have just planted a tomatillo and I'm in Malakwa ,BC, Canada. It could grow...it is 39°C right now.

[@chelseajones4141]

I love the "forested" topiary. So cute!!! Such great mulching ideas too!! thanks for the informational video. I had wondered what "Myrtle" plant it was, but never thought to ask 😂 🌿 Yay! Looking forward to the chat!

[@glgardener4972]

Last winter I purchased a fresh herb (rosemary) from my produce depart in my local grocery store. I am enjoying making it into a topiary. It is a tasty one too. Enjoyed your content.

[@chrissheets4865]

I love the myrtle topiaries but I killed one and just haven’t had the guts to try one again. I learned from that experience just how much the slightest drying will take them out. So I appreciated your warning!

[@chrismaraccini8108]

chris sheets Zone 5 I learned the hard way with a lavender topiary that I brought inside. But I'm going to look for less costly boxwood and try to make my own. Its just so hard to bring all these plants inside

[@juliabinford6500]

Yes, I thought it was crepe myrtle… Btw, tried that kaftan dress from Amazon you styled recently. Just love it belted:) would never have thought to try it, so thanks for that tip!

[@terry3596]

Thanks to Linda, I've come to love topiary. I live in Colorado, zone 5b, so will need to bring inside in the winter. Wi!l they live ok indoors near a sunny window?

[@deborahr9237]

QOTD: YES. YES. YES. PLEASE

[@twilde3754]

Topiary is tremendously popular because of Linda Vater!!! For the first time in my many years, I am interested in topiary. Why?? Linda Vater!🌳

[@nellyvazquez7774]

Love it .

[@bonitaharrison4736]

What about root bound. If just starting one, how big should the pot be. I can't wait until mine is a foot tall. I guess a sunny window in the winter. Mine is boxwood, but I plan to look for Myrtle. Oh good. I water my boxwood daily.

[@barbaracarlson1331]

Coffee beans can be use too! Along with serving special types of coffees.

[@LindaVater]

Yes!

[@larainekarl6234]

In the background, I see two wire cloches. Are they the ones you spoke about and will be selling?

[@LindaVater]

Yup!

[@larainekarl6234]

@@LindaVater They are beautiful. Hopely they will be available very soon.

[@anitahadley2871]

I do love topiaries. I don’t have any myrtles, just boxwood. But would love to try some. I was wondering, once you start trimming them is there any way to get additional height to them or are you stuck at that height?

[@cindygibbons4727]

From zone 7 in southern Maryland. Linda, my question to you is, do you get much wind there because I wonder if your beautiful topiaries and small pots ever get blown over? Thank you. Love the videos so much. 😉

[@LindaVater]

We do! On occasion but not normally.

[@cyoteg5025]

I love the topiaries but find them so intimidating LOL. I love the galvanized watering can! Do you remember where you got it?

[@LindaVater]

Gardeners Supply

[@cheryldyksen3429]

Have you ever done a corkscrew topiary....and how are they done ??

[@LindaVater]

I haven’t because for some reason the shape doesn’t appeal to me.

[@bettenotap4791]

Could you bottom water if you used beans as a top dressing to avoid removing the beans between watering?

[@LindaVater]

Maybe!

[@deannaginder-west4995]

Does your never ever underwater also pertain Spanish lavender? I got two topiaries thanks to being inspired by your beauties, and pretty quickly killed them both.

[@janecurtis5726]

You called the genus Myrtle but it is actually Myrtus. Maybe you know that but I just thought I’d mention that. Really like all the ideas for top dressing for special occasions!

[@RootyToot123]

I have the hardest water and the mineral build up on pots and soil and the break down of the clay pot from the minerals is almost instant. Super hard water. What water would you water your myrtles with?

[@LindaVater]

I use tap water🙂

[@barbaramoses3503]

Love the triple one and especially the iron stand. Was it a thrift find or do you remember the source? Haven’t grown a topiary but going to try one now!! Thank you for continuing to inspire

[@LindaVater]

Thrift!

[@lindagrigsby3699]

where can I buy dwarf myrtle plants?

[@LindaVater]

A Lancaster the bottom of the description at Passiflora Kalamazoo

[@claudiaceleste777]

So I feel like you’re trying to tell me I shouldn’t let my topiaries dry out? 🤔🤭

[@RoseMary-vs3io]

💚👍x

[@peggyfleming656]

I love them but myrtles are easy to kill.