Topiary is a garden art form that is increasing in popularity. Cones, interesting shapes and even balls on sticks (standards) all come under this type of plant pruning technique.

According to the topiarist, Geoff Howard, the idea behind topiary is the removal of the growth that’s going in the wrong direction to form a shape. He advises to cut for the ultimate growth of the plant, rather than the shape initially.

Topiary tricks

Geoff prunes the plants using his Felco No.2 secateurs, Cyclone shears and a sharp eye. He will only resort to electric hedge trimmers when pruning on a really large scale. Using these implements and an eye for design he can shape plants into many different forms.

One topiary technique Geoff has mastered makes the plant look twisted. In reality the trunk is straight but the growth has been pruned to give the illusion of a corkscrew.

Tips

• Some of Geoff’s tips to help you create a topiarised plant include:

  Choose a plant that resembles the shape you want to create

• Don’t feed if you want tight foliage
• Fertilise once you have the shape established
• Water and feed on the margin away from the stem at the feeder roots
• Carry out structural pruning during winter.
• Prune lightly in spring – take out the growth that is going in the wrong direction.

Getting started

Topiarised plants can also be grown on frames which allow for plants to be placed within and trained around a pre-formed shape. There are many different shapes available from candelabras to pine tree shapes and even peacocks. Frames are available from nurseries and range in price from $17 to $70 depending on size and style. Plants suitable for using in topiary include Box Honeysuckle (Lonicera nitida), Ivy (Hedera spp.), and Wire vine (Muehlenbeckia spp.). These plants start at around $7.95 for a 14cm (6″) pot.

Felco secateurs range in price from $60 to $130 and Cyclone shears retail for $49.95.

Finished topiary pieces vary widely in price. A Buxus basket in a 30cm pot costs $120 and a 1m (3′) tall standardised Buxus is $75 for a 25cm (10″) pot. A corkscrew of English Box similar to the one the topiarist pruned is priced at $495 for a 1.5m (4.5′) tall plant (40cm/16″ pot). Cones can range in price and size from $120 for a 60-80cm (2-3′) tall cone in a 30cm (12″) pot to a 2m (6′) tall Brush Cherry cone for $495. Hoops and hearts covered in ivy begin at $99 for a 30cm (12″) pot.

The Topiarist for hire

Geoff sells his topiarised pieces directly to the public in Victoria. Prices range from $40 (for a 17.5cm/7″ terracotta pot with small standard) to $500 for spirals to 1.5m (5′). He also hires out his topiary pieces for weddings, parties and functions.

Geoff is only open by appointment. Contact him on (03) 5968 1802 or (mobile) 015 824 393. You can also write to him at:
Geoff Howard
The Topiarist
29 Launching Place Road
Gembrook, VIC, 3783

Nurseries

Your local nursery may keep topiary plants and frames, or contact the following nurseries who keep a range of topiary products:

The Greenery Heidelberg
4 Banksia Street
Heidelberg, VIC, 3084
Phone: (03) 9459 8433
Bonds Nursery
277 Mona Vale Road
Terrey Hills, NSW, 2084
Phone: (02) 9486 3222