Expert: nick mccann - 11/10/2008

Question
We have two potted topiaries outside our front door.  We live in Milwaukee Wisconsin and last year the set we had died over the winter.  Should we put the urns in our garage or basement?  Cover with burlap?  Help!!  Thanks

Answer
Hi Jennifer, you say topiaries, but this could be any type of plant, topiary is the manner in which you shape a plant; do you know what type of plant or bush or tree it is? I really need to know the species before I can determine what actions you should take.The most common topiary is a "Ficus", if this is the case, then it should be moved to an area where it is shielded from the wind and you can it into the garage when the night temps are predicted to drop severly; otherwise mulching the surface heavily and wrapping the container with the burlap should suffice in getting it through the winter. Nick