Are you planning on starting a hobby? How about topiary? Don't really know how to garden? Let me tell you a few things about topiary, topiary trees and its origins.
Topiary was first conceived by Julius Cesar, who fed up with wandering around the world doing innumerable conquests, decided to cultivate an interesting homebody hobby. Growing trees in unusual shapes! And the craze spread all over the world with all civilization's ultimately cultivating the hobby as a serious occupation. In fact the Babylonian king Nebudnazzer was so fond of his queen he “topiared” a complete garden full of topiary trees and shrubs for her called The Hanging Garden of Babylon.
Ok, enough history!
You can use almost any type of shrub or tree for topiary. It all depends on what type of effect you want to create in your garden or in your house. Take the following as a guide line but be free to mix and match according to your personal preference. You can also ask the local gardening experts for guidance on topiary trees, seasonal flowers and shrubs which you can use
The free-form topiary or topiary which does not have a definite pattern. This is the most elegant form of topiary. You can cut and shape free standing shrubs and topiary trees into beautiful shapes such as balls, squares, animals and figures. This type of shaping is not recommended for difficult and varied shapes, stick to simple patterns which do not require too much effort and imagination. Also the shrubs may not be able to follow the pattern properly due to less support.
This type of topiary trees requires about three to ten years to produce any type of substance which can be modeled. It requires a plant which will cut well, is dense, and holds up without support.
Sphagnum topiary trees: is the popular choice for growing shrubs quickly to produce a beautiful result. You will need heavy frames with the sphagnum which is too soft and delicate to support. The wire frame will support the sphagnum and provide framework and designs to the shrub. The heavy steel frames are designed to provide the maximum support. And they are also provided by many manufacturers in a variety of shapes. So you can have any design you want to produce a beautiful topiary tree.
Saguaro topiary trees is a specialized type of cactus commonly found in the USA. It is an extremely beautiful among the cactus and is commonly used in many types of topiary designs to achieve a 3-D effect.
Most of these ideas are just a guiding point for the topiary trees enthusiast. Feel free to mix and match according to your requirements.
Topiary Tip #1
You must use patience when tending and creating your topiary project. They grow slowly and if you rush and trim too much or too deep into your topiary plant you could wind up killing it.
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Topiary Tip #2
If you do not have a green thumb or don't have the time to take care of a live topiary plant that doesn't mean that you can't enjoy your own topiary. Take a look at some of the artificial topiary creations that are made out of silk. They are extremely lifelike, require zero maintenance and will last forever.
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Topiary Tip #3
Start Small. If you are new to creating and growing topiary, then it is highly recommended that you start with a small topiary project like a ball or a vine ladder and stick with that until you get the hang of it. It would be a shame to get into a project over your head and wind up ruining your topiary.
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