Topiary can be used as a design feature in many styles of gardens, whether for a smart, contemporary look, in a traditional scheme, or a contrast to a cottage design or a more naturalistic style of planting.
Topiary is the art of clipping plants into ornamental shapes and patterns. Your imagination is the only limit to what can be created as part of your garden ideas. The result can be flamboyant, with fanciful creatures, or more simple geometric shapes. You can add touches of whimsy and humor or sculptural definition to the garden. It is particularly suitable for a formal garden design.
Trimming plants into fantastic shapes dates back to the decadent days of ancient Rome. Clipped box, bay, and myrtle were frequently used in the gardens of the wealthy, with special gardeners being employed whose sole task was to create and maintain the topiaries. The word topiary derives from the Latin opus topiarium, which means ornamental gardening. Continue reading from Homes & Gardens
