Alligator Topiary - Mossed
IN STOCK & READY TO SHIP
• Handcrafted Alligator Topiary filled with pre-dyed sphagnum moss.
• Ready to plant, decorate, or use as is.
• Frame is constructed from heavy-gauge wire.
• Finished with two coats of black powder coating to inhibit rust.
• Details include realistic eyes and teeth.
• Measures approximately 9" H x 50" L x 20" W.
• Hand-crafted, please allow for slight variations.
• Shipped in sections. Easily assembled with zip ties. Instructions and zip ties included.
Shipping cost calculated at checkout. Does not qualify for free shipping.
IN A HURRY? Call for expedited shipping options: 877-446-2929
Admiration and Awe
For centuries, topiaries have fascinated and amused generations. The oldest topiary garden still standing, Levens Hall in the U.K., dates back to 1694. In Tasmania, a little rural town called Railton established itself as a “destination” because of one man who started growing topiary. The idea caught on, neighbors followed suit, and Railton is now known as “Topiary Town.” You can find amazing topiary in botanical gardens all across the U.S., including the Green Animals Garden in Rhode Island, Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania, and of course the well-known topiaries in the Disney parks. These topiaries are works of art that have taken many years and many man hours to get to the point of being established and admired.
A Touch of Topiary
As much as we love topiaries, sometimes it’s just not practical to grow our own. A simple boxwood spiral could take as many as seven years just to begin to take shape. But, wouldn’t it be nice to travel no farther than your own backyard to enjoy a beautiful topiary or two? You can! Our topiary forms offer instant gratification, ready to bring warmth and whimsy to your home and garden!
Thinking Outside the Box(wood)
• Celebrate the birth of a new baby with a Teddy Bear!
• Bring home the pet you never had! Topiary animals won’t chew the furniture or aggravate allergies.
• That Topiary Frog on your balcony can’t say "ribbit," but he can act as a planter for a tiny garden along his back!
• Keep the memory of a beloved pet evergreen.
• The perfect gift for a friend who has everything — except a Topiary Seahorse!
• Planning a school or family reunion? A topiary mascot makes a delightful centerpiece.
• How about a birthday gift for that friend who earned the nickname “Turtle” in college?
• Invite wild butterflies and hummingbirds into your garden by setting out a giant Monarch Topiary and adorning its wings with a rainbow of color!
• Rotate your topiaries with the change of seasons! Celebrate with a Squirrel in autumn, a Rabbit in spring, and an Alligator in summer!
• Decorate the Topiary Swan in your foyer with poinsettias for Christmas, star-spangled ribbons for Fourth of July, and a mini pumpkin patch for Halloween!
NOTE: These are tips for planting a moss-filled wire topiary – but planting is not required! Many people use unplanted mossed topiaries as garden decorations by simply placing them in a desired location and periodically freshening up the sphagnum moss as needed.
PLANTING
1. Soak your entire moss-filled topiary in water and let it drain.
2. Prepare your selected plants by removing excess soil from the plug or cutting, being careful not to damage roots. NOTE: We suggest using "cell pack" sized plants (3/4" to 1-1/2") or similar sized cuttings/portions of a larger plants.
3. Form a hole in the damp moss roughly the size of the plant’s root ball and carefully insert the plant. Use large tweezers or a pointed object (like a chopstick) to help push the plant into the hole.
4. Re-form the moss around the plant to secure it onto your topiary. If the plant keeps falling out, you can use plant stakes or toothpicks to secure the plant until its roots develop.
5. Avoid trimming your new plants for a couple of weeks to help reduce transplant shock.
CARE
1. Once your topiary is planted, lightly water it and place it in a shaded area with minimal wind exposure for 7-10 days. OPTIONAL: Water with a gentle starter fertilizer (10-52-10) at this stage for a little extra boost!
2. Move your planted topiary to the selected area of your lawn or garden. You will want to choose a location that gets appropriate sun for your chosen plants.
3. Check moisture levels regularly in the first few weeks, watering often (2-3 times per week) depending on weather conditions in order to keep the moss moist but not saturated. This is important for the newly transplanted roots, as they are most vulnerable to drying out at this stage.
4. After the first month, your plants should be well rooted and you can proceed with normal plant care (watering and fertilizing schedules will be determined by the type of plant you used).
Weeds & Pests
Just like any planted area, you will want to monitor your topiary for weeds and pests. Whether your topiary catches the attention of deer, rabbits, squirrels, or insects, I Must Garden Repellents can provide reliable, environmentally friendly solutions.
Winter Care
Necessary winter care will depend on where you live and which plants you choose to use in your topiary. If you use heartier plants that don’t mind winter temperatures, or live in a relatively mild climate, you can leave the topiary outside and simply work to protect it from dry winter wind. This is traditionally done by wrapping it in burlap (or another breathable fabric) and occasionally unwrapping to lightly water and check for pests.
If you use less-hearty plants that can’t survive winter temperatures in your area, you will either need to move your topiary indoors for the season, or simply let the plant stay outside and replant it in the spring.
Larger topiaries may ship in smaller pieces to avoid damage. Assembly is quick and easy, simply follow these steps:
1. Position the head piece against the tail piece. Check the alignment using the center body wire as your guide.
2. Using 4 of the supplied zip ties, LOOSELY connect the head and tail pieces of the topiary. Loop each zip tie through the wire frame on the head and tail - placing them opposite each other around the topiary. Extra zip ties can be used for added stability.
3. Once you are satisfied of the correct placement, firmly tighten all zip ties.
4. Using wire cutters or large scissors, carefully cut the excess length of zip ties. Push the protruding connection point into the moss/frame for a smoother appearance.
5. Place your topiary in the desired location. You can display it as is, unplanted, or you can plant your topiary with a wide variety of succulents, vining plants, ground cover varieties, and much more.
Click on the 'Planting & Care' tab for tips on planting and caring for your mossed topiary.
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