Welcome to a lesson on one of the newer fads in fake greenery - artificial topiary!
From the looks of it, this trend will stick around for a while, and we can see why. As one of the best horticultural selections for outdoor gardens and interiors, boxwood topiary enables you to adorn your landscaping without investing much time in tedious upkeep.
But for the amateur fake plant parents, it can be daunting having to come up with ways of using such intricate products. We believe this is primarily due to the novelty of topiary and the creativity it takes to incorporate it into your decorating. That’s why we’ve taken it upon ourselves to demystify faux topiary once and for all.
Ready? Let’s jump in!
What Is Topiary?
Before we get to the meat of this post, let’s go over the basics of topiary.
Merriam-Webster defines topiary as “a practice or the art of training, cutting, and trimming trees or shrubs into odd or ornamental shapes and plants which have been shaped this way”. Put simply, a topiary plant is usually dense foliage trained into interesting, decorative shapes, such as animals, geometric shapes, spirals, and the like.
Although topiary has recently reached the mainstream and entered the regular person’s garden, the art has been around for centuries. In fact, it’s been a prominent detail in many European gardening styles, from the early Roman gardens to the swanky jardin à la Française.
Due to the versatility topiary provides and the effect imposed by certain shapes, it’s found its way into diverse environments, from parks to castle courtyards. Impressive, isn’t it?
In spite of the benefits of topiary, people are becoming aware of its disadvantages. Namely, real topiary requires heavy, time-consuming maintenance that might prove as a burden to the average Joe.
So, how do we bring demanding topiary closer to the workaholic American? We make it artificial, of course!
Why Choose Artificial Topiary?
The beauty of topiary can be translated to an artificial product quite well. In fact, some might even consider faux topiary to be even better.
Firstly, it will only require minimal TLC. After all, you can’t prune plastics and fabrics! But that’s not the only reason. Namely, fake boxwood topiary is impervious to sunlight (because of the built-in UV protection) and drastic temperature changes, making it the perfect purchase.
Plus, if you’re not fond of doing the shaping yourself or spending hundreds for someone else to do it, artificial topiary can be a godsend, as it graces your door already shaped and pruned to perfection. All you need to do is place it somewhere and let it do its magic!
Knowing your fake boxwood topiary is already chiseled away and has a long life left, you’ll love reveling in its unchanging beauty for years to come. And by moving it around the property, you can change your surroundings to best suit your needs and mood.
How to Choose the Best Artificial Topiary?
There’s much to choose from regarding artificial topiary, but what you prefer for your interior or exterior depends on what you aim to achieve with your decorating.
Namely, faux boxwood topiary balls are perfect for landscaping and adding shape to your garden, while spiral topiary plants emphasize height and movement and work well for centerpieces for both formal and informal events. Smaller topiaries suit entrances, decks, and patios and can add dimension. Plus, you can add them inside planters and make a custom arrangement unseen anywhere else.
If you want something extraordinary and unusual, you can even consider a topiary shaped like an animal or another interesting figure, such as geometric shapes. This choice will enable you to create a truly unique landscape that will certainly turn heads.
And for those looking for simpler, less dramatic shapes, you can choose faux topiaries that resemble hedges, trees, or cones.
As you can see, there’s something for everyone!
How to Use Artificial Topiary?
For the inexperienced, artificial topiary can be intimidating to incorporate into the regular design. But after reading these tips, your head will be buzzing with ideas.
Here’s what you can consider:
Line Entryways
If you want to designate a path through your front yard or accentuate a walkway or entranceway, symmetrically lining up faux topiary is a great way to do so. For example, our juniper cypress ball set works perfectly for guiding guests towards or away from certain areas on your property. Plus, you won't have to worry about them towering over your guests!
Create Symmetry
If there’s one thing topiary has always been good at, it’s symmetry. The same can be said for artificial topiary, as you can use it to create a collection of similar or identical items. By arranging the products intuitively and grouping them by symmetry, you can create a pleasing balance that’s easy on the eye and draws attention to a sitting area, entrance, or exit.
Make a Barrier
You can include large fake topiary balls to regain some privacy by creating an elegant barrier to keep prying eyes at bay. Additionally, dense artificial topiary like our gorgeous and durable Buxus ball will marry nature with your pool area or outdoor dining space and act as a barrier between separate areas. Who’d say no to that?
Embellish Empty Corners
A show-stopping rose clover topiary ball or any other type of beautifully-trimmed topiary will provide lush vibrancy and infuse an empty corner with life. This product will be the hallmark of elegance in your home or office and engage every visitor’s attention as soon as they walk through the door.
Break Up Your Exterior
Just because we’ve emphasized the clean-cut effect artificial topiary can provide doesn’t mean it can’t be used to incite a little chaos. In fact, many people prefer to place their purchases without too much planning. Some alternative ways you can do so include:
- Using fake topiary balls in half-circles around focal points in your landscaping
- Arranging them around centerpieces and sculptures
- Lining artificial topiary around your perimeter to emphasize the limits
- Using boxwood topiary in lines of four or five
- Mixing it in with the surrounding planters as a standalone structure
Final Takeaway
A well-done, life-like artificial topiary can make the difference between average decorating and irresistible home enhancement. And since Designer Plants will deliver your item free of charge straight to your door, the only thing you need to do is choose your favorite.