Product Description

Includes information on the best plants to use for topiary, each evaluated for its approximate growth rate, minimum temperature requirement, watering, and feeding needs.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #966591 in Books
• Published on: 1995-12-07
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 128 pages

From Amazon.com
The design possibilities for topiary sculpture are virtually limitless--only the imagination and some basic skills are needed to produce fanciful, exotic, traditional, or wildly individual designs with living plants. This is the book that tells the beginner how to do it. Supplemented by information on appropriate plants, climate zones, international suppliers of plants, and the needed tools, Hendy's book provides the reader with information on how to train plants to grow on wire frames, create inventive wire frames in all manner of shapes and configurations, choose the appropriate tools and materials needed, and help produce stunning topiary designs in weeks, not months or years. It also offers sound advice on the care and maintenance of your living sculptures to keep them green and healthy for years. It is generously illustrated with more than 300 color photographs showing basic steps and techniques, as well as delightful finished products from gardens and homes around the world. --Mark A. Hetts

From Booklist
The ease of creating topiary is emphasized in Handy's basic guide to both tabletop varieties and large-scale sculptural forms for the garden, conservatory, or greenhouse. Beginning with step-by-step advice on how to fabricate wire frames, Handy starts small with a simple two-dimensional heart shape, then progresses to more complex forms, such as a three-dimensional peacock made of the common box shrub and a stately cyprus trained as a tall corkscrew ornament for outdoors. Handy addresses problems that may occur and offers tips on general care for all types of topiary. Includes a portfolio of shapes and a directory of plants that notes temperature ranges, cultural requirements, flowering periods, characteristics, and training methods. Alice Joyce

Ingram
This compilation of practical, proven techniques from a trained botanist on how to quickly and successfully grow distinctive topiaries and green sculptures for home and garden includes step-by-step instructions and more than 300 full-color drawings and photos which illustrate basic techniques.

Customer Reviews

Great Introduction to Topiary
I found this book exciting and encouraging to a beginner in the wonderful world of topiary. The ideas cover a wide range of shapes and ideas offering ideas for a quick start as well as more complex projects. The instructions are clearly written and easy to follow. The book also includes discussion on the preferable types of plants to use for the various shapes and designs presented. I continue to refer to this book often as I begin new projects.