Tree Trimming Art
Topiary is a form of living sculpture. A tree is sculpted, through trimming, into a geometric shape or animal form. Bonsai is an art form in which trees are painstakingly trimmed in an attempt to replicate, in miniature, the dramatic shape of a larger tree. Does this Spark an idea?
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Formal Topiary
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Formal topiaries are often sculpted into globes or symmetrical designs. Not only found in yards and gardens, they are also seen growing in containers that frame entryways. A common form is the "ball on stick." For these types of topiaries, many plants can be used, not just trees.
Informal Topiary
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Informal topiaries can be sculpted to form whimsical shapes of elephants, horses, other animals or characters. For these types of topiaries, trees are started young and grown up frames in the design's shape. The trees are then trimmed to better conform to the design's shape, Thick, dense-growing shrubs are favored for this style of topiary. Yew, boxwood and holly are used for topiary.
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Bonsai
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The same trees used for large outdoor topiaries are also used for small bonsai displays. Juniper, ficus and maple have also been used. Trees are pruned by pinching back new growth. Some styles and forms seen in bonsai plantings are: cascade, slanting upright and formal upright. It may take decades before these trees reach the forms their growers desire.
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References
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