By Samantha Nicole Alarilla
Calling all experienced green thumbs and casual gardeners alike: are you looking to add a whimsical, otherworldly quality to your garden? Do you want to create something visually stunning and show stopping with only minimal effort? If so, we think topiaries are definitely for you.
Topiary is the art of pruning live shrubs into decorative shapes and forms. They are often called “living pieces of architecture” and only rightfully so, as they are so versatile that they can take virtually any shape you want it to. However, to do that, you will need to remember a few things:
1.Choose the species that’s right for the season.
Common shrub species used in topiaries would be boxwoods, holly, and yew. These are your typical evergreens that usually last throughout the seasons. Trees and shrubs can be purchased ready-trained from nurseries – meaning, already trained to take clear and well-defined shapes – but if you want the full topiary experience, you can also purchase shrubs with topiary frames over them. These frames will help guide you when it’s time to start pruning – as the shrub will grow into them and all you’ll need to do is shear off the excess branches to maintain its form.
2.Don’t forget your tools!
A good topiary specimen requires a good pair of hedge clippers and shears. As a general rule, sharp hedge clippers are usually recommended for larger topiaries, and on the other hand, smaller plants would require pruning shears. Additionally, long handle hedge shears are great from trimming odd branches and growths, while topiary shears were made specifically for precision cutting and easier handling due to its small size. Lastly, we suggest one-handed shears for light trimming and pruning horizontal and vertical surfaces. It’s always good to find the tools that are most suitable for your shrub and then experiment with different variations of your tools to see what is most suitable for you.
3.On when and how to prune.
Knowing when to prune will definitely make or break your topiary, so it’s always best to do your hardest prune during dormant season, which is January to February. When in pruning, you will have to take things slowly, especially if you opt not to use a frame. Trim no more than three inches in working towards that shape, and if you’re working on smaller shrubs, prune one inch off in areas where you need to fill in. Remember, art takes time and patience!
4.Maintaining your topiary specimen.
Just like any other plant in your garden, your topiary specimen will need care and maintenance as well. They should be trimmed once or twice a year – or more, depending on the species -- to maintain their shape. You must also tend to your shrub’s watering needs, fertilize it, and take extra preventive measures against insects and plant diseases. Don’t forget that keeping a topiary specimen in tiptop shape all year long requires a little more effort than your other plants would.
1.Choose the species that’s right for the season.
Common shrub species used in topiaries would be boxwoods, holly, and yew. These are your typical evergreens that usually last throughout the seasons. Trees and shrubs can be purchased ready-trained from nurseries – meaning, already trained to take clear and well-defined shapes – but if you want the full topiary experience, you can also purchase shrubs with topiary frames over them. These frames will help guide you when it’s time to start pruning – as the shrub will grow into them and all you’ll need to do is shear off the excess branches to maintain its form.
2.Don’t forget your tools!
A good topiary specimen requires a good pair of hedge clippers and shears. As a general rule, sharp hedge clippers are usually recommended for larger topiaries, and on the other hand, smaller plants would require pruning shears. Additionally, long handle hedge shears are great from trimming odd branches and growths, while topiary shears were made specifically for precision cutting and easier handling due to its small size. Lastly, we suggest one-handed shears for light trimming and pruning horizontal and vertical surfaces. It’s always good to find the tools that are most suitable for your shrub and then experiment with different variations of your tools to see what is most suitable for you.
3.On when and how to prune.
Knowing when to prune will definitely make or break your topiary, so it’s always best to do your hardest prune during dormant season, which is January to February. When in pruning, you will have to take things slowly, especially if you opt not to use a frame. Trim no more than three inches in working towards that shape, and if you’re working on smaller shrubs, prune one inch off in areas where you need to fill in. Remember, art takes time and patience!
4.Maintaining your topiary specimen.
Just like any other plant in your garden, your topiary specimen will need care and maintenance as well. They should be trimmed once or twice a year – or more, depending on the species -- to maintain their shape. You must also tend to your shrub’s watering needs, fertilize it, and take extra preventive measures against insects and plant diseases. Don’t forget that keeping a topiary specimen in tiptop shape all year long requires a little more effort than your other plants would.