There comes a time when feeling green becomes cool. Usually associated with feeling ill, this time of year the color green is a warm welcome.
Last week, I shared my how-to of sowing the seeds for the garden, and I’m happy to report that after only a week, I have sprouts. Still, I’m craving more green. I can’t help myself; my southern roots are kicking in and with spring officially underway, I need to surround myself with new life, fresh leaves and for God’s sake, a little color.
I haven’t ever been one to keep houseplants around, but recently I’ve challenged myself to take care of a few, and shop the house for unexpected vessels to house my plants in.
Seems easy enough, what with erring on the side of hoarding, I turned to a forgotten chair that I had stored in my barn. The seat was busted, but it sure made the perfect easel to display a potted plant. Now all of a sudden, this chair acclaimed a wow factor. I don’t know if I should shake my head with a “who knew” look on my face, or to pat myself on the back that I take so long to throw stuff out. Just the same, the plant bought the chair a few more weeks of life.
But how about forming a topiary? I’ve always marveled at those, though when I went to check out the price tag, I gawked. An ivy in any way shape or form should never cost so much. And, being the kind of person that insists on only complaining if a solution is close at hand, I decided to build my own topiary.
I tend to favor odd numbers, and I found three of the same pots on a shelf on my potting bench. I scoured my favorite salvage haunts, and found three prism shaped trellises at Goodwill for about four bucks a piece. Perfect shape for a topiary. Perfect price, as well.
With three said ivies, I planted each in a pot. I placed the prism trellis over the ivy and weaved the ivy stems in and out of the trellis walls, training the ivy to grow up to the top. Once it reaches, I’ll weave the stems back down to encase the frame, showcasing the luscious leaves. Every once in a while, I’ll give each a haircut and trim just under a leaf to help generate new life and keep the shape. God forbid my treasured topiaries resemble Andy Rooney’s eyebrows. God rest his soul.
So far, I’ve made good on my challenge. I’ve taken good care of these growing topiaries, and I hold promise on the form that they will become. Showcased in front of a window overlooking our backyard, these green prisms of all things, are singing my praises. New life, a true welcome, and albeit that color that I’ve been craving.
Green.
Sorry Kermit, but in this case, it is easy being green.
Teresa says
Brooke – I love this! I don’t have a green thumb by any means, but you make me want to give this a try! Thanks.