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What is topiary? Topiary is a timeless art that goes beyond simple trimming. It’s the horticultural craft of sculpting trees and shrubs into ornamental shapes, blending nature with design. This art transforms plants into a variety of forms, from classic spirals to whimsical animals, enhancing any outdoor space.
Where does Topiary originate?
While topiary originated in ancient Rome, it truly flourished in 17th-century Europe. However, its popularity among English elites saw a sudden decline after satirist Alexander Pope parodied it in The Guardian. Despite this, the craft quietly endured in cottagers’ gardens, where a single, hand-shaped specimen often became a treasured family heirloom.
By the mid-1800s, topiary experienced a strong revival. Victorian garden designers, influenced by writers like Shirley Hibberd, rediscovered its appeal. Hibberd famously stated, “We may not always want the most beautiful natural form, but one of our own design, expressive of our ingenuity.” Topiary also gained popularity during the American Renaissance (1880–1920). It continues to be celebrated today in restored historical gardens as a unique form of green architecture.
Why Topiary?
Topiary is an excellent choice for homeowners and businesses aiming to enhance their landscapes. Plants such as Chinese privet, Bay, Common Yew, and Box-leaved Holly are frequently selected for this purpose. Their small, dense leaves and naturally compact growth make them ideal for training into various elaborate designs. Whether you are looking for a traditional sphere, an intricate animal shape, or even numbers and letters, topiary adds style, structure, and a unique personality to any environment.
What Topiary plants do we stock?
At King & Co, we stock a wide range of topiary including clipped balls and cones, spirals and pom-poms and 1/2 standard trees!
1. Clipped balls. We have a wide range of clipped balls available including varieties like Euonymus ‘Green Spire’, Box-leaved holly, Bay, Photinia, Portuguese laurel and Yew!
2. Clipped Cones. We also stock Box-leaved holly that has been clipped into a cone shape!
3. Spirals and Pom-Poms. We stock Leyland cypress trees that have been clipped into spiral and pom-pom shape. They make an eye catching architectural feature.
4. Half and Quarter Standard Trees. A fantastic choice for bringing both height and visual interest to smaller gardens. They look particularly striking look when placed near doorways or along driveways.
At King & Co, we offer a selection of premium topiary trees and shrubs. From elegant spirals and balls to custom-shaped numbers, our topiary range is perfect for gardens, patios, or commercial spaces. Easy to maintain and visually striking, our topiary products are crafted to impress and built to last.
Whether you’re designing a formal garden or making a bold entrance statement for your business, topiary adds a touch of living art that captivates year-round. So next time someone asks “What is topiary?”, you’ll know it’s not just gardening…it’s artistry, tradition, and creativity, all rolled into one.
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