The Fine Art of Topiary

The word "topiary" comes from the Latin word "topiarus" which means landscape gardener. Topiary is the art of keeping the landscape gardener busy with the clipping and training required to trim the plants into desired shapes. This art has been going in and out of fashion and trend for at least 2000 years.  Although the art of Topiary was generally practiced on large estates where formal gardening was the mode of choice, with the advent of large tracts of land being divided and sold off, it went into decline. Today, however, it has made a comeback as home-owners seek to enhance their gardens with plant sculpture. 

People imagine that the Art of Topiary is time-consuming and only for those who have that special artistic flair - but that is a myth! Once the shape has been formed initially, it is merely a question of giving it the odd haircut. It is a garden task that can be done with secateurs in one hand and a glass of chilled Chardonnay in the other! 

Topiary shapes include single and multi-tiered balls or ‘discs', pyramidal cones, standards spirals, cubes and other geometric shapes or even sculptures. Whether symmetrical or asymmetrical, the variety is as limitless as your imagination. There are also fascinating topiaries that have been done in the shape of animals and birds. Topiaries can also be espaliered as flattened shapes against a wall

Topiaries can be successfully grown in containers where they serve as wonderful focal points and can be moved about as the seasons change. Choose a pot shape to either complement or contrast the shape of the Topiary.

And as for that artistic flair, you never know until you try. Unleash that inner creativity and give it a go! You may be pleasantly surprised. And at the very worst, you can always let the plant re-grow, like a bad haircut, and then try again!