I’m a sucker for good topiary. It’s unreal and unusual, unnatural and often results in something quite amazing and lovely.
My first memories of topiary are, of course, the gardens at Walt Disney World. Disney has long employed master gardeners and encourages creative topiary work that shows off their characters and other fanciful creatures. There was a sea serpent made of multiple shrubs, for example, that seemed to be swimming near the entry to the Magic Kingdom. EPCOT, by the way, hosts an annual garden festival.
(Another not-as-fond memory is the topiary in the remake of The Shining.)
Since then I’ve learned more about the tradition of trimming hedges into creative shapes. Hedge mazes and garden sculptures go back quite a long time. Why not keep the tradition alive this weekend and get creative in the garden?
This is an episode of a British gardening show that features topiary and roof gardens. Sharpen up your shears and enjoy planning how you will shape some nearby hedges.
https://youtu.be/b-mx3MAU-WA
