This practical guide to the art of clipping, training and shaping plants
offers fascinating insight into the art of topiary, with step-by-step
instructions, spectacular photography and authoritative text. It shows
how topiary can complement a range of garden styles and create design
effects, such as defining an entranceway, marking a boundary or creating
depth. Projects for beginners through to experienced gardeners show how
to clip a spiral, create freehand figures, use topiary frames, train an
arch, and tame a hedge. Jenny Hendy explains how topiary can be
incorporated into garden styles, from traditional and contemporary to
country-house and Japanese. A section on green architecture looks at
larger topiary elements, including hedges, doorways and windows, and
niches and alcoves. Achievable geometric shapes are also covered, from
spheres and pyramids to turrets and helter-skelters. There are
suggestions for more ambitious planting effects, such as knot gardens
and parterres. Sculptural topiary is also explored, from the clipped
creatures of cottage gardens to modern plant shaping. A plant directory
then lists the best plants and the training to which they are suited.
"This will be a great inspiration for people...wishing to create form
and shape with greenery." Piet Oudolf
