

Images courtesy of Ladew Topiary Gardens
On the opposite side of the spectrum is Disney World. If you’ve been, you’ve likely walked past huge trees shaped like Dumbo, Winnie the Pooh, and Mickey Mouse. Artist gardeners use a tree-shaping method called topiary to create these whimsical lawn ornaments.

“It’s best to know what you want your shape to be beforehand,” he says. “Then, go find a tree that’ll work. The shape has to be in the tree already.” Phil suggests using flexible species, like willow, maple, and some fruit trees.



And the frame isn’t always hidden; gardeners sometimes use something ornamental and make it part of the design, Phil says.
And the frame isn’t always hidden; gardeners sometimes use something ornamental and make it part of the design, Phil says.

“Sometimes visitors to the gardens ask why we don’t keep on top of our pruning,” Phil says. “But they don’t understand that you have to balance the pruning with the health of the plant because those leaves are what feeds the tree.”
He suggests gardeners prune after the new growth has finished growing.




Carol J. Alexander writes about sustainable living, food, and home remodeling from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
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