Topiary
We always see them in the movies, in the gardens of aristocratic families or dynasties. It would not be wrong to say that the gardens are decorated at the highest level. This art that pleases the eyes and makes garden lovers smile has a name: Topiary.
Topiary means topiary. It is even translated directly from English to Turkish as topiary or tree topiary.
In its more formal form, Topiari is the art of giving formal or informal decorative forms by pruning trees and bushes. It was first practiced by the Ancient Romans.
This art, which was widely used later on, has been adopted by many civilizations for centuries in garden art as a technique.
topiary art
Image: Bota Shqiptare
The Romans portrayed names, various animal figures, and even battle scenes in their Topiari works. Today, one of the examples of this art from the Roman Period is in the J. Paul Getty Museum in America. In the museum and its garden, Villa dei Papiri, one of the classical Roman villa gardens that remained among the ruins of the city of Pompeii, has been revived.
The practices of topiary are seen especially in England, Italy, France and Japan. Especially the Victorian era is full of examples of this art. In the old Turkish gardens, from the 18th century onwards, studies on topiary were carried out in Istanbul during the periods of European influence. According to sources, especially during the reign of Abdülmecid, these studies were given great importance. In this art, you can give your plants the shape you want. Whether geometric, architectural or cartoon hero.
Which Plants Are Suitable for Topiary?
To practice the art of topiary, permanent trees and shrubs that do not fall are generally preferred. From trees spruce, juniper, hemlock, cypress; rosemary, laurel, boxwood and some ivy varieties are suitable plants for Topiary.
When to Shape Trees and Shrubs
You can prune your plants in late spring or early summer. Since the plants you already use are mostly evergreens, they do not pose a problem in this case.
Frequently Used Topiary Models – Image: My Winter Garden
Subtleties of Topiary Art
Do not take a garden shear and dive into your plants. Leave this job to an expert or get a training on this subject. Otherwise, you may experience regrettable consequences.
Before applying the art of Topiary on the plant, that is, handing your plant to a specialist, always decide on the shape you want. What kind of model would you like to see in your garden? What will be the concept of your garden? Models with independent shapes and stories can make your garden look messy.
If you are going to do this yourself and you are new to this, start with simple shapes. Balls, pyramids and cubes will produce beautiful results.
Proceed with a plan and measure. We are not working on a canvas, so we will not have a chance to rearrange the details that are too large or small.
Take care of your plants. As you cut, new branches and shoots will emerge, and the shape you have created will change. Prune at least twice a year to keep your plants in shape.
Topiary Art
These ornate trees, which we encounter in parks and gardens, are usually diversified as conical, round or spiral cut. However, it is possible to see tree decorations, each of which is a work of art, in parks, special events or festivals from time to time. Let’s examine a few beautiful examples of topiary art together.
