Topiaries, An Art Form"
By Bob Chapman
It is said that ancient Greeks were the first to prune and shape trees and shrubs into various forms. The word topiary is said to have coined by the Roman statesman, Cicero, from "topia," to describe the art of sculpting trees and shrubs into different shapes. Topiary, the pruning and training of living plants is a very popular hobby today.
Shapes and forms of topiary
Some of the shapes and forms of topiary are very formal (cubes, obelisks and spirals), others can be quite whimsical. There really is no set standard that one must follow when creating topiary. Often seen are topiaries in the shapes of birds, dragons, fish and animals or something in between. Here's your chance to be creative and design your own living sculpture! See the images for ideas for topiaries.
Plants used to form topiaries
Over the centuries many plants have been used, but the more popular and widely used are:
- Yews (Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata')
- Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)
- Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
- Box honeysuckle (Lonicera nitida)
- Cotoneaster lacteus (an evergreen form of this common plant)
- Texas waxleaf privet (Ligustrum texanum)
- Ivy (Hedera helix, the English ivy and the many forms with smaller leaves, such as ‘Needlepoint,' often used in indoor topiaries)
- Bay trees (Laurus nobilis)
- Holly (Ilex aquifolium)
- Evergreen Euonymus (Euonymus japonicus) and its many variegated varieties.
- Myrtle (Myrtus communis)
- Bay Laurel (Laurus umbellaria ‘Californica')
- Pittosporum (Pittosporum tenufolium/nigricans)
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis, the upright Rosemary. Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Prostrata', the trailing Rosemary)
The above list is not inclusive, as many hobbyists have used other shrubs and trees with marvelous results. Those growing topiaries indoors use mainly herbs and indoor ivies.
Getting started
- Determine the form or shape wanted for your topiary (s).
- Determine where it will grow. Many choose to set apart the topiary, using it as a focal point in the landscape. Usually, a spot in full sun is the best.
- Buy a plant, or plants, suitable for your topiary.
- If planning on using a frame to hold your topiary (many frames are available in a wide variety, including animals, fish, dolphin, seals), purchase the frame locally or order online. There are many websites, all with topiary supplies and frames of all types and sizes.
- You can make your own frame from chicken wire or wires attached to stakes.
- Plant your chosen tree or shrub, allowing enough room for the topiary to grow and room to work on it and around it.
- Some plants may need a stake for support and this should be driven in at this point.
- When tying plants to stakes, supports or frames, bind them loosely using plastic tape so that you don't strangle the plant by cutting off the flow of sap.
Trimming, grooming and pruning your topiary
- After planting your shrub or tree you will want to start the process of shaping it to conform to the desired look. Use hand clippers or hedge shears to take off unneeded growth.
- When using young plants, select the stem or stems that will form the core of your design; this can be a single shoot or several shoots that are then spread out.
- Tie the stems loosely to the frame or supports.
- As your topiary grows, trim off any unwanted growth. You'll want to keep your topiary growing in the right direction(s).
- Go slow on pruning and clipping until you learn how long it takes for the plant to recover from cutting off a branch or from shearing. It will take a few years for your topiary to develop that distinctive or unique shape. If you make a mistake, most plants are very forgiving and will try to replace the foliage or branch that was removed.
Maintaining your topiary
Nearly all the plants used for topiaries are fairly hardy, but you'll want to give them optimum care.
- Never let the soil dry out completely. The lack of moisture stops plant growth and you want your topiary to grow almost continuously.
- Fertilize your topiary every spring using a complete fertilizer. An excellent food is Easy Gone Lawn Fertilizer. It contains all the major nutrients and the minor nutrients that growing plants need. (Just don't tell your topiary that you're feeding it lawn food. Keep the bag out of its sight.)
- Be observant and watch for any signs of insects and control them immediately.
- If you have clay-based alkaline soil, nutrient deficiencies, such as nitrogen (or more commonly, a lack of iron) can cause a yellowing or a lighter green color of the foliage. Give your topiary an extra dose of fertilizer and treat the soil with aluminum sulfate to release the iron to the roots.
- Hose off any dust that collects on your prized topiary. You'll want it to look its best at all times.
- Control any weeds that dare to grow under the topiary. You don't want the weeds to steal food and moisture from your special friend.
ENJOY!
Your efforts and tender loving care will reward you for many years to come as you watch your topiary take shape. Your friends and neighbors will recognize your efforts and will envy you!