Sunflower Topiary

Sunflower Topiary

This are an increasingly popular feature of modern wedding celebrations and a far less expensive option than full bar service. Draw your guests close and treat the eye with this tall and elegant tabletop accessory. This autumnal arrangement is made with vibrant sunflowers that set a sunny mood. The natural moss and wood elements have an organic, woodland appeal. As an alternative, choose large blooms that match your own wedding season or decor. Select complementary colors and accessories to complete the tablescape.

Here are the materials you will need to make one sunflower topiary:

• one block of floral foam
• one 8' (20.5 cm) terra-cotta pot
• one bunch of mixed sunflowers, with twelve to fourteen blooms
• one 6" (15 cm) plastic-foam ball
• one stem of mixed fall leaves
• 8" (20.5 cm) square of moss
• small grouping of grapevines
• cluster of autumn berries
• scissors
• floral snips
• floral pins
• hot-glue gun and glue sticks

STEP 1. Cut the floral foam block to fit inside the terra cotta pot. Hot glue the foam in place to secure it.
STEP 2. Cut all of the leaves, blooms, and flower stems off the main stem of the sunflower bunch. You’ll be left with a rugged-looking "trunk." Push the stem into the center of the foam block and hot-glue it to secure.
STEP 3. Snip all of the flower stems to 3" (7.5 cm) in length.
STEP 4. Press one sunflower blossom into the plastic-foam ball and hot glue it to secure. Continue positioning the sunflower blooms until the ball is covered.
STEP 5. Cut the stems of the leaves so they are very short, as shown. Gently fold the leaves in half lengthwise and glue the stem and leaf bottom in between the sunflower blooms. Continue adding leaves to give the balla full and colorful autumnal look.

STEP 6. Find a free space in the center of the plastic foam ball. Push that section of the ball onto the stem in the pot.
STEP 7. Arrange the moss on top of the foam block in the pot. Cut or tear away any extra moss hanging over the edge.
STEP 8. Gather the grapevines and trim the ends with floral snips. Insert one set of ends into the floral foam block, close to the base of the stern. Press the ends firmly and fix in place with a floral pin. Twist the vines around to the back of the sunflower ball and adhere to the ball with a floral pin.
STEP 9. For the finishing touch, you'll need one sunflower blossom, a few leaves, and the autumn berries. Glue the leaves and berries to the moss first. Then glue the sunflower blossom on top of the leaves. Let the glue dry thoroughly.