Definition:
Topiary is an art where people clip trees, shrubs and subshrubs to create sculptures, often in the form of animals. The word comes from toparius, which is the Latin word for a landscape gardener. Evergreen shrubs and subshrubs are usually chosen since they have small leaves/needles that stay throughout the year. Evergreens also tend to have branches and leaves that grow closely together, making it easier to form the shape.
Some topiary styles and related pruning forms:
- Animal/people shapes
- Cakestand
- Espalier
- Hedges
- Knot garden
- Pleaching
- Pollarding
- Standard
- Wire frame/sphagnum moss
