An herb topiary is an herb that has been trained to a specific shape. Herb topiaries, also called standards, can be small for indoor or deck gardens, or large as a focal point in a formal herb garden. Some popular shapes are herb trees, with a single stem and a round ball of herb leaves at the top, or a multilayered topiary, that consists of many stems entwined around a wire form, creating a shape.

These are often made into wreath shapes.

To make an herb standard, start with herbs that have a sturdy stem. Rosemary, bay and lemon verbena are three types of herbs that work well in this style.

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: One Hour

Here's How:

1. Choose a young, single stem herb. A woody stem is best.
   
   
2. Insert a stake, such as a chopstick or sturdy wire into the pot, all the way to the bottom.
   
   
3. Cut back all branches below the desired height. Keep leaves on the main stem only.
   
   
4. Tie stem to the chopstick or wire with soft twine at 1 1/2 inch intervals.
   
   
5. Keep the plant clean of any side shoots that may appear.
   
   
6. Pinch top shoots to encourage a full, bushy habit.
   
   
7. Trim top leaves into desired shape with clippers.

Tips:

1. Insert support all the way to the bottom of the pot, keeping the height of the support to the height of the finished standard.
   
   
2. Water standard well so you do not lose any leaves. This will result in holes in your overall shape.
   
   
3. Be sure to turn standard so that it receives even sunlight on all sides.

What You Need:

• A sturdy, potted herb with a woody stem.
• Strong support like a chopstick or wire.
• Soft cotton string
• Clippers