All About Topiary

Gardening excellence with topiary

Gardening as an art

Topiary is the centuries-old art of turning living plants into recognizable shapes, such as animals or geometric designs. It is often compared to bonsai, but doesn't focus on dwarfing plants. Rather, topiary embraces greenery by naturally manipulating its shape through training and pruning. This art form creates unique sculptures for your yard, garden, or even interior expressions.

You don't have to be a gardening guru to be active in topiary. It can be hard to make an impression in your garden sometimes, but topiary allows you to display the most common flowers and shrubs in a fashion that will impress your neighbors. Put a dragon frame hump in your flower bed, or a kitten by your front door.

Starting out…

If you're new to topiary, consider the following before you get started:

Wire topiary frames can act as the skeleton for your creativity. Select a form that catches your eye, like a dragon hump or rabbit. These frames are usually hand-woven from durable steel, and double coated with epoxy to discourage rust. Many larger forms are designed in pieces to allow easy access to the interior of the plant you choose. Look online to see how limitless your options are.

It's nice to be original, but growing topiary on a wire frame will save you time. Don't worry about bending your own wires or measuring for correctness. If you are a novice, frames can get you started before you consider creating an original design. Experts can save time too. If you know what you like, use a prefabricated frame to expand your garden.

Sphagnum moss is a growing medium. It's generally regarded as the best performing substrate due to its ability to absorb air and water. You can grow many different types of plants into the moss substrate in an effort to create varying colors and textures mirroring those found in the actual creatures you're imitating when growing your topiary.

Indoors or out, you can use your topiary frame even in winter without plants at all. Indoors, topiary frames can be used as part of your decor. Add pinecones, a wreath, and some ribbon for an original table piece or gift basket.

Potted topiary adds an elegant touch to a terrace or balcony without sacrificing space.

Creeping fig is the most commonly used plant for creating sphagnum topiaries, but other small, clumping plants such as mondo grass or begonias can be used for specific effects.

Who's who in topiary

Regardless of your skill level, there are plenty of options available to start your topiary.

Walt Disney World horticultural staff uses topiary for their displays on the grounds and in the gardens of the Walt Disney World Resort. At the recent International Master Gardener Conference, a Disney staffer even conducted hands-on workshops on creating a sphagnum topiary.

More information on topiary frames