Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Here Are Facts About Ivy Topiary

By Kathleen Stone


Topiary can be defined as a style of ornamental gardening. People who specialize in this field are referred to as topiarists. The work of topiarists is to produce or create sculptures out of a wide range of plants. This is attained by weaving, trimming, and training plants. The sculptures made vary a lot in size from gigantic trees to small herbs the size of a coffee mug. This is worth knowing about ivy topiary.

The term topiary has a Latin origin. Its English translation is an ornamental gardener. This activity was engaged in by people from ancient civilizations such as the Greek and Roman Empires. History dates the practice to some 2000 years back. It is believed to have originated in Greek and later spread to the rest of Europe, particularly during the Renaissance period. It also spread widely within Europe during the Victorian era.

With the right kind of tools and skills, topiary can be done on any plant species. However, plants that produce the best works of art are shrubs and sub-shrubs. These plants are preferable because they are evergreen and they grow in a manner that favors the art. They form dense covers of foliage with their small leaves and needles, which is just perfect. The main plant varieties used include yew, myrtle, privet rosemary, jasmine, bay laurel, holly, English ivy, box, ficus, and cypress.

Topiary is an art that requires a lot of skill and practice. However, there are also many factors that determine success in this industry. One of the main factors is the choice of plant to use. It is also important to know that the various shrubs and sub-shrubs named about grow well in certain climatic and soil conditions. As such, it is important to consider the weather and soil type too.

The second factor of consideration is tools. One should use suitable tools. Different tools are used in this work and each is applied specifically in a certain conditions. Shears with longer handles are best used in making initial cuts. The shears used must have a slight angle to enable them to cut from either side.

For parts that need a detailed focus, a pair of secateurs should be used. Good secateurs is one that can be used with one hand. Often these ones have a spring at the handles. Other tools for use in this work exist. All tools should be kept clean to avoid spreading disease from plant to plant. Also, they should be disinfected and oiled to stay in good shape. All edged tools must be sharpened for efficiency.

To achieve better results, a cutting guide should be used at all times. A cutting guide tells one which areas need to be cut and which ones should remain uncut. Part of achieving good results also involves cutting at the right time. The twigs should not be left to overgrow and they should also not be cut while still too young.

Lastly, it is important to pick a plant that is most suited for the shape one wants to achieve. The plant should have a general resemblance of the shape that is being aimed at. For instance, if one is trying to cut a pentagon into the plant, the plant should have a general triangle shape.




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