I love teaching classes for my two favorite girlsI thought I would help them out by posting some info about our Rosemary Topiary Class:
#1. Choose a rosemary plant that has a strong, single leader.You may want to repot it in a classic terra-cotta pot. Push a thin 24 inch piece of bamboo or other which marks the final height of the plant, into the pot and carefully tie loosely with twist ties or jute.
#2. Cut off all the side shoots using small hand shears or scissors to directthe plants energy up the main stem. Leave enough shoots at the topof the stem in order to sustain the plant and to encourage more growth in the top.
#3. In the second year, when the stem of your rosemary has reached the required height of about 16 inches, cut out the top of the lead shoot. This cut marks the approximate base of the final crown.
#4. Allow several top shoots to develop. Once they have reached a length of 3-4 inches,cut out the end of each top shoot. Make sure you keep the main stem clear of any side shoots that may start to grow.
#5. During spring and summer, when you plant flushes out new growth, continue to pinch out the ends of the top shoots once they have grown by 3-4 inches. Your topiary will become more dense this way.
#6. Don't throw away your clippings! Make some wonderful herbed butter or bread with it!
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