Topiary is the art of trimming and training plants and shrubs to turn them into sculptures. Topiary originates from the Latin word for an ornamental landscape gardener “Topiarius.” Japan and China too have their own forms of topiary in cloud pruning and bonsai. The early 16th century has mostly geometric shapes in topiary such as pyramids, balls, cones, and balls. Walt Disney gave a whole new dimension to topiary when he used this traditional art form to liven up his cartoon characters in his theme parks.
The delightful world of topiary can take lot of inspiration from the ancient sculptures while at the same time keep experimenting with new designs and shapes to create awe-inspiring pieces for modern day gardens and landscapes.
Any topiary consists of shrubs and plants characterized by small leaves or needles forming dense evergreen foliage and columnar growth habits. The commonly used topiary plants are holly bushes, myrtle, bay laurel, and privet hedges. At times shaped wire cages are employed to guide the growth of the plants, however the art of topiary calls for immense patience and unwavering hands. A topiary can be as utilitarian as a hedge or a garden boundary as well as something as fantastical as a dinosaur! Hanging topiary forms can be used to adorn windows and corridors.
Topiary is patterned gardening. With this unique art form, any landscape can have its own unique aesthetic appeal. Each sculpture, whether a bird, animal, or some particular pattern, echoes the sentiment and artistic aptitude of its creator. Even a small garden can have a very pleasing effect with some simple topiary designs.
For weddings, topiaries serve as decoration pieces—larger ones for beautification of the venue and smaller ones as centerpieces on tables. A couple with some time on hand can also make miniature topiaries as wedding reception favors. Small tabletop miniatures could be ideal gifts at the opening ceremony of a friend’s shop or office. Such small topiaries can be given to a spouse on a special occasion too. The topiary chosen could be symbolic of a particularly fond memory or also of the relationship one shares. “You are the wind beneath my wings,” was the favorite song of this particular couple. This song was the one playing during their first date and evoked romantic feelings in them for years after. When the wife gave the husband a topiary centerpiece shaped like an angel in flight he indeed fell in love with her all over again!
Wouldn’t a topiary shaped like a stork be a one-of-a-kind gift for a baby shower? How about an ice cream topiary for a child to keep in his room? For a housewarming party, topiary gifts could be quite an innovation. Potted topiaries would be nice at the entrance or to frame the boundary of the garden. Just as one wears jewelry to enhance their beauty, topiary pieces serve as ornaments for one’s home and workplace. With a little care, topiaries can last for a long time. So present a topiary gift to a loved one and watch the person’s face glow with delight. You will have created a memory of a lifetime!
See also:
Bay trees
Olive plants
Citrus plants
Buxus plants |
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