Sheared to Perfection Celebrating World Topiary Day
Have you ever been awestruck by a poodle sculpted from yew or a heart meticulously shaped from boxwood? If so, then World Topiary Day, celebrated on the second Thursday of May, is for you! This quirky holiday is a delightful tribute to the art of topiary, the practice of clipping and shaping trees and shrubs into ornamental forms.
A Timeless Art Form
Topiary boasts a rich history, dating back to the Romans who used clipped hedges and mazes to adorn their gardens. Over the centuries, the art form flourished, reaching new heights of creativity during the Renaissance. European estates became havens for elaborate topiary creations, featuring intricate geometric shapes, fantastical creatures, and even human figures.
A Modern Resurgence
While topiary enjoyed periods of decline, it’s experiencing a well-deserved revival. Modern gardeners are rediscovering the charm and versatility of this art form. From whimsical spirals to contemporary sculptures, topiary adds a touch of whimsy and artistry to any landscape.
Celebrating World Topiary Day
So, how can you join the festivities on World Topiary Day? Here are some ideas:
Visit a Topiary Garden: Many public gardens and estates boast impressive topiary displays. Plan a visit to marvel at these sculpted wonders and learn about the art of topiary. Here are some of the best public gardens for topiary viewing around the world:
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA
Longwood Gardens is a horticultural wonderland that features a stunning topiary display. The Italian Lake Garden is adorned with an array of topiary creations, including chess pieces, spirals, and fanciful creatures.
The Green Animals Topiary Garden, Newport, Rhode Island, USA
The Green Animals Topiary Garden is the oldest topiary garden in the United States. Established in 18 topiary, it features a delightful collection of sculpted animals, including sheep, goats, and a deer.
Manor d’Eyrignac, Dordogne, France
Manor d’Eyrignac is a stunning 17th-century estate in France that boasts over 200 topiary creations. The gardens are a masterpiece of design, featuring sculpted hedges, spheres, cones, and intricate parterres.
Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens, San Marino, California, USA
The Huntington Library features a delightful collection of topiary creations, including geometric shapes, whimsical figures, and a topiary chess set. The gardens also offer stunning views of the San Marino cityscape.
Levens Hall, Cumbria, England
Levens Hall boasts the world’s oldest topiary garden still surviving in its original design. The gardens feature a variety of topiary creations, including yew hedges clipped into cubes, spheres, and obelisks.
- Try Your Hand at Topiary: Feeling inspired? If you have a boxwood hedge or small shrub, you can try your hand at simple topiary shapes. Start with a sphere or cube, and as your skills develop, you can progress to more intricate designs.
World Topiary Day is a reminder that gardens are not just about flowers and vegetables. They can be living canvases for creativity and artistry. So, the next time you’re strolling through a park or garden, take a moment to appreciate the sculpted beauty of topiary. After all, it’s a true art form that deserves to be sheared in the spotlight!