Content
- So you can cut a boxwood to the ball - instructions and tips
- preparation
- Selection of the variety
- Timing of the cut
- Cutting boxwood around - That's how it works
- Cutting with template
- Tips
The most symmetrical is the ball with a template
So you can cut a boxwood to the ball - instructions and tips
For many centuries, the boxwood has been cut into creative shapes and used for a creative and artistic garden design. The spherical shape is one of the most popular variants, as it is comparatively easy to implement.
preparation
However, do not make the mistake of immediately rushing into the garden with the pruning shears in your hand and pruning your book there. For the project to be successful, it requires some preparation. Otherwise, the plant could be hard to repair, or the result would be anything but attractive.
Selection of the variety
Not every boxwood variety is suitable for a spherical cut, which is especially true for the varieties bred for hedge planting. Instead, choose a bushy-awake plant that naturally has a more rounded shape - making it easier to cut into the desired sphere.Furthermore, the choice of variety depends on how big the ball should be: For small balls are slow-growing varieties such as 'Green Gem', 'Suffruticosa' or 'Blue Heinz' very good, for large but rather comparatively strong vigorous like, Rotundifolia 'or' Handsworthiensis'.
Timing of the cut
To maintain the spherical shape, cut the boxwood at least twice a season. The first cut, the so-called shape cut, takes place between mid-May and mid-June. The second cut, which is also referred to as a care cut, should, however, be made by mid-August. Of course you can also cut the book more often if necessary, but should keep a gap of at least four weeks between appointments. Often cut book grows particularly dense.
Cutting boxwood around - That's how it works
Never cut deep into the wood right at the beginning, as this will create unsightly holes that are difficult to close again. Instead, follow the steps in small steps, beginning with the idea of dividing the book into latitude and longitude like a globe. First cut the "equator" to the desired length, followed by the four to six "longitudes". Now all you have to do is trim the gaps to the same length, paying attention to the desired even curve. This will be easier if you cut from bottom to top - so the top part is the last to come in contact with the pair of scissors.
Cutting with template
Because freehand cutting is not easy for beginners, you can also use a template. Wire baskets are available in the trade in which the book is practically squeezed into. Then you only have to cut along the wires, but you must not cut too much: then the metal is visible. Furthermore, you can easily make templates out of cardboard or another suitable material, which you can then create on the book and then draw the contours with the scissors.
Tips
Before cutting, place a tarpaulin or similar under the book, so that you do not have to laboriously compute the numerous fine cuts.