NaturalSilkFlowers

How to make a Topiary

Topiary is the practice of trimming and cutting living perennial plants into shapes of all sorts, like animals, or clearly defined shapes, either geometrical, or fanciful. The practice of using real plants is a huge undertaking that takes years to achieve good results.

The use of topiary has been around for a very long time, believed to have been used as early as 7000 BC in England UK, based on pollen grains discovered dating to this time, these were destroyed by a glacial epoch. Many other examples of the use of Topiary are recorded throughout history, Egyptians clipped box hedges in 4000 BC, and all over the world some examples of topiary exist now and in the past. It is a very interesting art and takes a huge amount of effort and commitment to create and maintain a single topiary plant so most of us just can't devote the time and energy to create these amazing Living Sculptures.











There are structures that are made of very durable and long lasting materials that are assembled to resemble the finished design which then will allow the plants to grow in and around them and eventually cover the frame completely, then the trimming and shaping to achieve the finished appearance is done. Lots of things like lights, plumbing, and visible details that can not be made from plants which are often part of the projects that are behind the scene or take on a part of the topiary as a specific detail like the butterfly antennas seen above and the waterfall coming out of the palm of a hand see below.

The great news is we do have the alternative today to make topiary sculptures out of artificial plants and other components that are used to assimilate real topiary plants. These artificial creations are usually able to be made in a few days depending on drying times for the paint and adhesives used, and the difficulty or complexity of the project, the best part is they will last for many years to come and require almost no maintenance or care, an occasional dusting is about all it takes to keep them fresh and ready to display.

A potted homemade version will have much better potential for matching your colors and decor since you will be able to choose all of the components that will be used in your project. You have control over all sorts of design specific features like overall size, colors, textures, flowers,plants, vines, berries, foliage, and assorted accessories like rocks, twigs, branches, moss, and a planter or vase. If you need something that is already assembled and ready for display then there are finished versions available like the ones you see below.

You will most likely find the other craft items at your favorite Arts and Crafts store. Items like a hot glue gun and glue sticks, dry Styrofoam bricks, wire cutters, scissors, razor knife, moss, or other faux materials for completing the look you want. With just a little time and effort you can create a remarkable arrangement that you can enjoy for years to come! Best creative regards, Rusty naturalsilkflowers.com