Don showed a very good use for the small-leaved variety of creeping fig (Ficus pumila ‘Minima’). Creeping fig makes an excellent, quick cover for masonry walls, a good ground cover for large areas and, as seen in our segment, it is very useful for creating quick ‘topiary’. 

You will need:

• terracotta
• pot
• potting mix
• wire cowl (vent cover)
• wire

How it’s done

1. Add some potting mix to the terracotta pot.
2. Plant the creeping fig in the pot, top up the potting mix and then water the plant in.
3. Place the wire cowl over the top of the pot.
4. Using a piece of wire with a hook on the end, weave the creeping fig runners in and out of the wire cowl, trying to cover as much of the cowl as possible.
5. Once you have threaded all of the runners through the wire cowl, give the plant a light prune all over.

Cost and availability

Terracotta pot, around $11 from nurseries. 150mm wire cowl, about $18 from hardware suppliers. Ficus pumila ‘Minima’ is available from nurseries. Expect to pay about $12 for 140mm (6") pots.

Copyright CTC Productions 2003