Q: We have a tall evergreen in our yard. I think it's a juniper. How do we prune it to make it a nice spiral shape? We have some other evergreens that have been pruned into squares, but they are totally boring. I want to do something artistic with them. If I can't, then I will get rid of them. Do you have any ideas on how to be creative with box-shaped evergreens?

A: Making a spiral topiary is not as hard as it looks. Topiary is the art and science of trimming or training shrubs or trees into an ornamental shape. The shape can be geometric, such as a spiral, a ball, a square, a lollipop and more. It could even be shaped like a character or animal. Topiaries can be shaped using two different methods: basic pruning or using a frame.

Since you already have a tall evergreen, let's see if it can be used to create a spiral shape. Have you been pruning it into the tall shape it is now, or was that the plant's natural shape? I ask in order to know how deep the green needles grow from the tip of a branch in toward the trunk. If you have been pruning this plant, there may be few green needles on the branch, so you will have very little leeway as you prune. Most evergreens will not grow many new branches if you prune back into the dead area (without green needles).

The first step is to decide on how many spirals you want to create. Tie a string to the top and wrap it around the plant until you get to the bottom. Make sure the string is evenly spaced around the plant. Once it is aligned the way you want, you can begin pruning. Work your way around the plant, pruning off all of the branches that are a few inches above the string. Another way to do it is to use a 6-inch-wide ribbon instead of a string. Wrap it around the plant, and prune off any branches not covered by the ribbon.

Are your square evergreens planted in a row, or are they clustered together? If your plants are grouped together, you may be able to just let them grow back into their natural shape. If they fill in the empty space between them as they grow back, you won't have to prune them much at all.

When pruning a topiary, you must decide on the shape and size of the design first to see how many plants are needed to execute it. For instance, a large animal shape may require one plant just to shape each leg. A single chess piece design may only require one plant, while a yard full of chess pieces will require many plants.

A geometric shape is easier to create than the shape of an animal. A geometric design that is half-shaped will still look fine, but a half-grown lion topiary looks a little odd. Plus, many animal shapes take years to grow. Oftentimes to create animal shapes, plants will be potted separately first, then groomed, and then planted in a landscape once they are the full size and shape.

Since your shrubs are already planted in the ground, it may be best to create a wire frame in the size and shape you want for your topiary. Once constructed, place it over the plants and prune away any branches that don't conform to the shape. The frame will be your guide to maintain the proper shape as the plant grows. Plus, anyone looking at the half-grown topiary can still tell what it will look like by looking at the frame. Note that the frame will not support the plant, so make sure that long and/or thick branches are positioned to grow within the frame where needed (say, for the long neck of an animal).

A few tools are required to create a clean-looking geometric topiary. Besides wire, wood or plastic pipe can be used to create a template of the shape. If your design calls for straight lines, strings and levels can be used. Do not try to eyeball geometric shapes, or they will probably turn out poorly.

As with any plant intended for a landscape, topiary plants should be hardy and fit for the climate conditions (or any other special conditions) of the environment. Choose plants that tolerate pruning well, since they may need to be pruned weekly during the growing season. Evergreens are most commonly used, but any plant can be trained into a topiary with the proper care. Azaleas, boxwoods, hollies, junipers, privets and yews are all good options with varieties available nationwide. Small-leafed plants generally look better when pruned. And plants that are slightly wider at the bottom will stay fuller because more sunlight will reach the lower parts of the plant.

Good pruning techniques are also important for all topiary. Hand tools or electric ones are OK, but they must be sharp to avoid shredding the leaves and branches. To maintain the best plant health, let the plant grow slightly larger before each major pruning.

Now you're ready to get creative and fix up those evergreens to the exact design you want.

Email questions to Jeff Rugg at [email protected]. To find out more about Jeff Rugg and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.