My new sphere-shaped topiaries were growing just splendidly and putting on lots of new growth. But as the ivy lengthened and started to fill in the spheres, I needed a way to keep the stems growing around the sphere instead of through it. So I cut large pieces from an old burlap bag and stuffed them through the holes in the metal ball form. The burlap stands up to moisture, doesn’t get moldy, and is an unobtrusive light brown color.
-Julie Witmer, Grove City, Pennsylvania