Perfectly cut topiary can look spectacular and is certainly a thing of beauty. It is so striking and incredibly versatile that many think of it as a piece of living architecture. Unfortunately, it takes a lot of time and effort to get that flawless look, whether you’re cutting the bush into an ornamental ball or going for something a little more extravagant.
Most of us don’t have the time to spend on developing the topiary but want some all the same. That’s where artificial plants come in. The quality available nowadays ensures that you can create elegant plant sculptures in your garden, business forecourt and office space so that anyone passing will be hard pushed to tell it from the real thing.
Here’s our quick guide to choosing the best artificial topiary for your location:
Plan first
Above: This pair of stunning artificial topiary trees has a realistic four leaf clover design and weighted pots. Buy here.
Take a close look at the space where you are going to have it. Artificial topiary is great for both indoors and outdoors but the space will often dictate the size and design to a large extent.
The next question you need to answer is what sort of design is going to work. Do you want something neat and simple like an ornamental ball or do you want to push the envelope and choose a more interesting shape? The good news is that there are plenty of options out there. You can even have your topiary in the shape of letters and numbers.
The next decision to make is where to buy your topiary from. As with any artificial plant, it’s best to go for quality first and foremost – the best available nowadays can certainly look just as realistic as the real thing.
Mat choice
Above: This untidy fence is a great candidate for some artificial foliage.
Above: The artificial panels transform the untidy fence into neatly clipped foliage. Click here to see the panels that were used.
Artificial topiary can be made from a variety of materials, with each providing a distinct look and feel. Box matting is one of the most common and ideal for both indoors and outdoors. It can be manufactured and designed with a variety of different shades and tones.
Make sure you choose a material that is UV protected and won’t fade over time. If you are planning to have your artificial topiary indoors then choose something that is fire retardant. It’s worth looking at all the options including box mat and vine before you decide to buy.
Choosing your shape
Above: These adorable artificial topiary animals are very reasonably priced at £19.99 each. L-R here are the links to buy: elephant, rabbit, swan and dog.
One of the most popular choices is the topiary ball which seems to suit almost any space and occasion. You can get large ones for the garden and even smaller varieties that look great on a table top.
Artificial spirals are another option, especially if you have a narrow space that you want to fill with something attractive and which is easy to maintain. You can also customise your artificial topiary and commission your own design. This is a great option for many businesses when they want an installation which matches their brand identity. You may even like your topiary to look like a traditional tree but just don’t want the aggravation of cutting it back or tending to it.
Above: These artificial boxwood balls look perfect on the windowsill. Buy them here.
One great thing about artificial topiary is that you can move it around when you want. It’s not stuck in the ground like a normal tree. They’re also brilliant for just about any space, whether it’s in the front garden, by the back shed, in your hallway or dotted about your office, bar, shop or restaurant.
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