Garden topiary

This page and its linked pages are in development. More pictures of this area over the years to follow.

1. Rockery Area

The rockery has a number of topiary pieces in it.

The yew bird was planted as a small twig well over 25 years ago. For a year it was left to grow straggly shoots, which were then tied to a rudimentary frame made from bamboo canes at angles. Its shape gradually developed into what is there today, and its tail is still developing and changing. It doesn't really have the shape of a bird, with a large circle in the centre for no particular reason other than it seemed the right shape to clip. Normally it would have a privet hedge behind it as a backdrop, but this was replanted in 2014 and has only reached a couple of feet high at the time of this photograph. This hedge will be grown to six foot, in about five years time.

 

2. Irish Yew

An Irish yew was planted as a young plant at a similar time to the yew bird. As both grew it became clear that they were a little close together, so the Irish yew was bent backwards on a frame to keep it clear of the yew bird's nose. It continued to grow and bush out until I cut into it quite severely last year, with the idea of turning it into another bird. A fan tail is being developed, and one corner is being allowed to grow and shoots are being bent to form a head and beak. Some imagination is necessary until the shape bushes out more.

 

More to follow