Each spring I splurge on new topiaries to scatter throughout my garden on tables and underneath the pergola. Rosemary or ivy topiaries are wonderful and I love the perfectly manicured forms in my garden seating area. However, a potted topiary may often be blown over even with just a cool summer breeze. When this happens, I place them back upright, hoping that they were not damaged by the spill. This year, I came up with a creative solution to this frustrating recurring problem. It’s simple, and I have to ask myself, why I did not come up with this idea sooner. That being said, I’m delighted to share with you my solution that resolves the tipping over problem once and for all, with an attractive twist.

What you will need for this project:

• An unwatered topiary of your choice in a terracotta pot. (If your topiary is not in a terracotta pot, repot it in one that fits its base)
• A terracotta saucer three to four inches larger than the bottom of your terracotta pot base
• Water resistant high strength Epoxy glue
• A bag of decorative rocks (use a minimum of one inch stones)

Turn the topiary upside down. Follow the edge of the pot with the epoxy, covering most of the rim. For small pots, leave at least one inch of the rim unglued to allow water to escape. For larger pots, leave roughly three-quarters of the edge of the rim unglued. Center the topiary on the saucer base. Leave to dry for about fifteen minutes.

Once the glue has dried, add the decorative rocks generously to the bottom of the saucer. Now you’re ready for whatever wind storm Mother Nature brings on with the confidence that your topiaries are safe from tipping over.

Tips for a Healthy and Successful Relationship with Your Topiaries:

Trim topiaries frequently to encourage growth. Prune every six weeks in the summer and every eight weeks during the winter. Follow the existing form to maintain its shape.

Keep your topiary in a well-lit area but not necessarily in direct light. If you have variegated ivy, keep in mind that it will need more light than a dark-green ivy.

If your topiaries are indoors, water and mist regularly.

And there you have it.