Living Art

Keen to try shaping some of your plants into topiaries and patterns? We show you how…

- By Marié Esterhuyse. Photographs by Kosie Jansen van Rensbrug, Jeandri Streicher, Francois Oberholster, Conrad Judson

Topiaries are not only pleasing to look at, they also add structure, interest and focal points to a garden. “The advantage of clipping plants into topiaries is that they work well in both formal and informal gardens. In a more formal garden, such as that of Marti Forster in Franschhoek (see page 102), topiaries are the main element,” explains Karin du Plessis, owner of landscaping business In & Outdoor Gardens. “Even though the garden mainly consists of topiaries, the different shapes and shades of green still provide plenty of variety.

“In a more informal garden, topiaries add structure to mixed borders. And in winter, when gardens have been pruned to their bare bones and the trees are without leaves, these plants are still striking and beautiful.”