Topiary – creating shapes from plants – is one of the oldest forms of garden art that dates as far back as first-century Rome.
In historical accounts of garden artistry, the technique of cutting and training evergreens into geometric shapes tends to reflect the style of the age in which they were created.
The artistic side of pruning plants rose in popularity with the use of trimmed formal hedges and geometric shapes shown in the intricate design work of Renaissance and Baroque gardens.
The living architecture of topiary gave another fashionable trend to the surging opulence of a garden.
Living shapes are really architectural points, like hardscape is to a garden.
They give structure, whimsy or elegance where stone, fencing, columns or pottery cannot.
Topiary in today’s garden could do the same as in historical references. They can reflect the style of the home garden and the owner.
Topiary is a firm visual style connection between house and garden.
For example: The entry to a home is typically supported by columns. Adding a columnar topiary in a pot to accent the upright effect gives a living garden element right up to the home.
Topiary can also be placed at the entry point of a pathway or garden room to create a “doorway” effect.
In container gardens topiary can be a strong centerpiece that gives a stylized accent the shape of the pot.
Indoors, the ancient art of topiary has been modernized for use as tabletop shapes that give living art to centerpieces and mantle displays. During the holiday season, potted ivy trained into circle wreaths and rosemary clipped into miniature Christmas trees has become a common find for decorating. Slow growing dwarf evergreens and herbs are popular plant choices for mini topiary.
TAKING SHAPE
Gardeners who have not tried to prune a plant into a refined shape tend to think it is a labor-intensive technique. Some topiaries are on frames and need to mature into the shape while some are formed from mature plants. Animal shapes and some of the more elaborate shapes can be complex and need a trained hand, but the simplicity and clearly defined lines of geometric shapes are easy to create and upkeep. The major requirement is really the confidence to start cutting away at a completely healthy plant.
The equipment needed is the guide for shaping that shows a visual cutting guideline like string, wire or pre-made shapes. Sharp pruners and scissors are a must. Precise cuts are the key to clean lines of the shape and the use of sharp cutting blades will not cause damage to stems and branches like dull blades can. The goal in the shaping process is to keep the plant beautiful and healthy. Spirals, lollipops and balls are all easy shapes for beginners to try. These are classic shapes that can be done easily in miniature for tabletop décor. Herbs and hardy dwarf evergreen plants are commonly used.
Sue Goetz, a certified professional horticulturist, is a garden designer, speaker and writer from Gig Harbor. Visit www.thecreativegardener.com or contact by e-mail to info@thecreativegardener.com.
