A small decorative topiary for the table top or window sill is a simple yet rewarding project. Perhaps the simplest is a living wreath used to frame a candle, at the other end of the spectrum could be the elaborate, fully trained and generously embellished tiered standard with seasonal decorations including lights, satin bows and wired-on fruits and nuts.
For a topiary project, the gardener may select between hardy plants and traditional house plants. There are many options among tiny needled evergreens and broad leafed evergreens such as boxwood. Semi-woody herbs such as scented geraniums, rosemary or the time honored bay tree may also be used to form pleasing geometric shapes or traditional forms such as the "lollipop" standard. Easy to grow vines such as creeping fig and that plain old standby, English ivy, can be trained over simple wire frames into shapes that are as simple or as intricate as you wish.
To get started, you will need to decide how much time you have to produce the finished product. If your goal is to have something ready for the holidays, you might opt to purchase a good sized plant and simply trim it to shape. With a little more time or a little smaller budget, you might prefer to train your own by starting with a young plant. This approach can be very satisfying once you achieve a finished product, but it can also take a very long time, depending on the plant and style you want.
Recently, someone mentioned making living wreaths with candles for holiday table decorations. While possibly not strictly a topiary, this could be done following basic topiary principles. Using a wire frame in the shape of your wreath, line the bottom with plastic to protect the table, then tuck it full of moistened sphagnum moss. Plug into that small ivy plants. Arrange them to cover the top of the frame, add some candles and you're done. Mist occasionally and keep the soil plugs moist, this should keep the plants happy right into the new year.
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