Gardening for me is another opportunity to express my artistic flair. My flowers individually are pieces of art and rows of them create a dazzling display of colors. However, born with (a required characteristic of serious gardeners) obsessive-compulsive disorder, my curiosity about new seeds, plants, and garden art is boundless. In fact, I have recently become obsessed with topiaries and the elegance they can bring to a deck, garden or landscape. I started with small tabletop-sized topiaries that were winter hardy to zone 7, easy to grow, and recommended for the type of pruning required for topiaries. My experimental plants were rosemary and Spanish lavender.
I chose rosemary because of its versatility as a cold hardy herb that not only adds flavor to culinary creations but also contributes visually. Its needle-like leaves and woody stems make it an ideal candidate for shaping into various forms. The fragrance emitted by rosemary is not only pleasant but also acts as a natural deterrent to certain pests.
Lavender was the other herb I chose to work with on this project. Known for its striking purple blooms and soothing fragrance it is also well-suited for topiary design because of its compact growth habit and ability to recover from pruning.
Tips for Successful Topiary Crafting:
a. Pruning Techniques: Regular and precise pruning is key to keeping the desired shape of your topiaries. Use sharp shears to trim the plants and make cuts just above a set of leaves to encourage new growth.
b. Sunlight and Soil: Both rosemary and lavender thrive in well-drained soil and require plenty of sunlight. Ensure they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day for the best growth.
c. Container Gardening: I planted your rosemary and lavender topiaries in containers, allowing for easy mobility and the ability to bring them indoors during harsh weather conditions.
d. Companion Planting: Rosemary and lavender are not only visually complementary but also help each other when planted together. The aromatic oils of both plants act as natural insect repellents.
Whether you opt for classic shapes or let your imagination run wild with unique designs, these herbs offer a sensory experience that can transform any outdoor space into a living work of art.
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