Easter basket topiary....

I so admire those bloggers who actually REMEMBER to take "before" shots while creating wonderful things to share with us. Unfortunately I seldom seem to remember. I have nary a single "before" pic of anything I have ever created to help me wow blogland.

Sigh.

But I do hope to eventually change. Blogging changes people for the better. Insert grin here.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I mentioned recently when casually showing an old ironstone teapot with ivy in it that I oftentimes cut it back and make pretty giftie things with the cuttings once they develop roots. I cannot begin to remember all the gifts of ivy things I have given in the past. But this one was an experiment in my first attempt at making my own real topiary. I got to thinking when I did that post that I DO have - well kinda anyway- something to share in a before and after situation.

And I have it now to unveil to wow you all! Haha! Yay!


Here is a very old and bad picture of an overgrown somewhat "hairy" teapotted ivy grown out nicely and just waiting to be pruned. I apologize for this pic, only one I had b/c I didn't keep the original. See? I told you I am really bad at that "before" documenting thing...........consider this  Exhibit A.

Exihibit A

Here is what that plant looks like now,  after a hair cut.  Exhibit B.

Exhibit B

And here is the Big Reveal -  Exhibit C!

It takes really very little time for ivy to grow, but it does take several weeks for their roots to grow once cut and placed in water to develop. Just keep your cuttings in a short small clear glass by a sunny window. Change water daily so bacteria doesn't stunt the growing process.

Once you see about a half inch of roots, plant the cuttings in good clean well circulated loose potting soil. Try to plant your cuttings towards the edges near the handle so it can climb faster. Then just watch your new plant grow!  As it grows just start to wind the thin branches up and around the handle and eventually it fills in quite nicely.

Note: if you want this look start now for next year, By then you could have one that is nice and full. Remember that before actually putting in Easter grass (or dyed straw in this case) and eggs, let your soil dry a bit before making it into an Easter decoration so the grass doesn't get gross and soggy and make an icky mess.

IT'S BUNNY HOP TIME!

Headin to Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphasis Monday!

Popping in for a hello to My Cozy Home Party!