If you haven't followed my blog, I am creating a 6 foot peacock topiary with a 20 ft tail. If I want it relatively done for this growing season the tail needs to go into the ground. It takes me a whole day to do one "stripe". Right now, my muscles are screaming after two days of doing this. On the bright side, I lose 1 to 2 lbs a day for each stripe. By the time the peacock, is done I should be looking great in a bikini.
In any event, this is what I am replicating, below.
It won't look exactly like this but I think it won't look too bad. Yesterday I ordered the feathers for the top. I was also tired of it's bareness, so I ordered a large roll of coconut liner. I want the liner to be green though. I may paint or stain it.
The middle feather is marigolds. The next two feathers are deep purple vinca. The next two feather that will go in will be mexican heather. I am probably going to make the tail a bit pointed. Meaning the feathers will gradually get shorter as you go to the outside.
The body has confederate jasmine zip tied as it grows. I also have english ivy on the breast. In an attempt to fill it faster, I put a lot of morning glory. This year will probably not look as good as next year but we will see.
You see the Laura keeps me company (whether I want it or not).
There is a drainage issue so I dug trenches along the lines. I will mulch it as well. I am going to put an irrigation system in.
At the base I have put edging. Since I am about to line the interior of the frame I will wail to finish the base so I don't have to fight with mulch while I'm lining it.
This is the head. I still need to get the eyes and beak.
It takes me all day. It may not look like much work but I assure you it is.
The morning glory I planted is starting to sprout.
English Ivy is a slow grower.
2 comments:
I wonder how many years it took to perfect the ones in the photos you looked at?
I think you are making great progress.
The one at the arboreteum I think is for rent. I am starting the think they used sweet potato vine. I doubt it will ever be as pretty as the picture but I am okay with that....that place has professional gardener's on staff and charge entry fees...this is just my front yard....but I did love it, and still do if my muscles would stop screaming.
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