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Written by Webmaster
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Thursday, 23 October 2008 |
By Alex Stacey
 The beautifully sculpted foliage that you see in the form of mazes, animals or geometric shapes is known as "topiary". The origin of the phrase comes from the Latin "topiarius" (ornamental landscaper). The art form was influenced originally from the Romans, Greeks and Persians.
Topiary consists of evergreen shrubs, bushes, and trees that are compact so that they may form shapes such as an elephant, clouds, dogs, dinosaurs or even people. These shapes, since they are not loose and leafy, can remain as sculpted with only the occasional pruning required.
Commonly grown for such an art form are the Box, Myrtle and Bay Laurel trees and bushes. Hedges used as boundaries are the simplest form of topiary. Julius Cesar is said to have introduced this art into the Roman Gardens.
Topiary is produced in the Chinese practice of Penjing and the Japanese practice of Bonsai, giving this landscaping dream an ancient existence. Popularity of topiary blossomed in 17th century England as the aristocrats and royals fashioned in the Franco-Dutch gardening style.
When Alexander Pope wrote
a critical piece of topiary, poking fun at all the mazes and shapes being created and displayed, the rich lost interest and removed the topiary from their gardens. Local cottages kept it alive, however, by turning the practice into family heirlooms.
Nearing the 19th century, John Loudon expressed his sadness in the decline of the topiary garden and the practice was resumed. The American Renaissance of these gardens occurred in the same time period.
Since the natural display can break down due to Earth's elements, there is artificial topiary available. Artificial plants can be UV protected, placed indoors or out, and you never need to prune them.
Those that have the patience for the outdoor life have produced some well-known displays that include: Saman-Lei Sekpil in Manipan India boasting the tallest topiary at 61 feet and the 140 year old garden at the Hunnewell Arboretum. The practice of topiary gardens continues today as even the every-man tries their hand at designing those wonderfully creative shapes in their own gardens.
If you decide to buy an artificial topiary tree, often in the shape of a ball and around 4 or 5ft tall - Make sure it has a good amount of leaves, preferably over 850.
To make the tree look it's best you should also place it in a large pot perhaps in silver or black and cover the soil surface with some pebbles for maximum effect.
Visit the ArtificialFlorist.co.uk for a range of beautiful artificial Topiary Trees that look fantastic outside your front door. All the artificial trees are available for next day delivery.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 23 October 2008 )
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