Quick and Easy Topiary and Green Sculpture by Jenny Hendy, softback published by Quarto. Available in the UK, ISBN 0-316-72735-0, price 14.99 from www.littlebrown.co.uk
This fantastic guide to topiary gives you all the ideas and know-how you need. From creating life-size animals to the simple box cones, topiary is loved or hated with nothing in between. Thos that dislike should think on… it is a form of expression that adds another dimension to the garden. In its simplest form of geometric shapes, it is an essential element of the formal garden. Good topiary can enliven any space. Even Christopher Lloyd’s Great Dixter has its topiary.
This book shows you how to make and plant wire frames, how to adapt traditional topiary, as well as how to make a standard. It shows how to care for your creations. There is a very good directory of shapes including geometric, animals and topiary that can be used for special occasions. In addition, there is a directory of suitable plants.
This is a well-illustrated 128 page book that is well-written and easy to use. The next time you stare longingly at that 80 pound topiary conifer, get yourself a copy of this book.