And Where to Find Topiary Forms

Historically speaking, topiaries date back to the time of the Romans.  Bushes were shaped by trimming them, into geometrical shapes or the shapes of animals.  These topiaries were in gardens or in atriums.

Today metal forms are available to train plants.  In the case of floral topiaries, these forms can be lined with Sphagnum moss, and planted with flowering or decorative plants.  See photos below:  A fun selection of wire topiary frames can be found at GM Floral Co. at the Los Angeles Flower Mart:  http://www.gmfloral.com/ 

Sometimes the forms are two dimensional (e.g. flat pieces of wood) to which Sphagnum moss is applied, as in the photos of the galloping horse shown below.  This topiary comes from Villa Topiary in Yorkville, Illinois.  They can be reached on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/VillaTopiaryInc/                    

The giant horseshoe is 24 inches by 24 inches.  It's form is made out of plywood with wet-pack floral foam on top of it for the roses to be pushed into.  This form held around 365 red roses and weighed at least 50 pounds.  Together, with my talented friend, Darlene Tafua, we made the giant rose horseshoe and the horse topiary centerpieces.  Darlene does flowers for wedding and events in Pasadena, CA:  http://www.flowersbydarlene.blogspot.com/

To see how to make the high heel topiary see:                                                      http://www.floristinyou.com/how-many-steps-does-it-take-to-make-a-high-heel-topiary

For instructions to make the African violet purse see:                                                     http://www.floristinyou.com/ya-gotta-have-another-purse

For instructions to make the Succulent purse see:                                                   http://www.floristinyou.com/get-mom-a-new-purse-and-a-string-of-pearls

Good things to know:

• Topiaries come in many shapes and sizes. 

• Exterior topiaries made with frames have live ivies or other plants, which grow around the frame.

• Many floral topiaries are filled with Sphagnum moss.

• For floral topiaries, you can use plastic liners or bags inside the frames to hold in water.

• You can use a green food color based spray to re-green your Sphagnum moss.

Where to buy the frames:

• G.M. Floral Co.- Los Angeles Flower Market - high heel, purse
• Armstrong Nursery - soft sided mossed purse
• Villa Topiary on Facebook and Etsy - galloping horse on a dowel

My Favorite Topiaries: