Tuscan Style - Jon Carloftis

Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publications
®
™
Tuscan
Style Retreat
Make a
6
Tablet
Fount op
a
You C ins
an
Make
Big Ideas
For a Small Space
Spring 2010
Display until April 27
Create an Open-Air
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Family Room
Spotlight
Artful Accents
Add some whimsy to your patio with a topiary
trimmed and trained into a fun shape.
photography by Rob Cardillo produced by Jon Carloftis
• Select a topiary shape. You can
make your own frame from chicken
wire or purchase a wire form that
comes stuffed with sphagnum peat
moss, ready for planting. Many
animal shapes are available.
• Prepare the form for planting.
Saturate the moss with the mister
setting on your garden hose sprayer.
• Add personal embellishments.
Use wire snips to make a hole in
the frame where you want a plant
to go. Our turtle, left, is carrying an
elephant bush (Portulacaria afra)
on its back. After planting, bend
back the wire to secure the plant.
The owl, below, needs no special
flourishes—the long-fibered moss
mimics the look of feathers.
•Place your topiary in a partially
shaded area. Full sun will quickly
dry and fade moss. Keep the moss
moist by misting it regularly. Groom
plants to desired shape.
Outdoor Rooms™ (ISSN 1936-3176), Spring 2010 issue. Outdoor Rooms is published two times a year in March and April by Meredith Corp., 1716 Locust St.,
Des Moines, IA 50309-3023. Canada Post Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement No. 40069223. Canadian BN 12348 2887 RT. Trademark registered in
Canada and Australia. Marca registrada en México. © Meredith Corp. 2010. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.
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Spring
2010