The Complete Book of Topiary (Paperback)

~ (Author), Deborah Reich (Author) "Since ancient times, trees and vines have been trained for useful purposes, raising crops off the ground, increasing the yield of fruit and furnishing precious..." (more)
Key Phrases: Harvey Ladew, Ladew Topiary Gardens, Green Animals (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

People attracted to the craft of changing plants into fanciful shapes should welcome this book by Gallup, owner of a company specializing in "Totally Topiary," and horticulturist Reich, who has worked at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and the New York World Trade Center. An intriguing history of topiary sculpture precedes chapters with detailed directions on producing effects like the examples shown in numerous drawings. These are birds, beasts, stars, the moon, etc., coaxed from trees, hedges and vines. Some are a bit tweechairs and tables, a whole faux garden of ivybut there is enough variety to suit more modest tastes. Espaliered fruit trees, a maze and a knot garden are among the features illustrated in chapters that close with a glossary, a list of supply sources and other particulars.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Topiary, as defined in the book's glossary, is "the art of shaping plants, by clipping and training, to create living sculptures." The authors, well-known horticulturists, provide chapters on traditional designs for hedges, trees, and espalier displays, and also cover container topiary, ivy training, knot gardens, and frame making. They give a historical context for each chapter, but emphasize application, presenting instructions for 75 projects. Their advice includes recommended plants, design hints, tools and supplies, and maintenance. The format is clear and readable, and the illustrations appealing. Novices and specialists will be delighted by this highly recommended book. Douglas G. Birdsall, North Dakota State Univ. Lib., Fargo
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Workman Publishing Company (January 1, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0894803182
• ISBN-13: 978-0894803185
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 7.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #411,682 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars More than just a dry, step-one-step-two, how-to book., May 18, 1999

By A Customer

Featuring interesting historical information, this book includes many backgrounds of formal gardens and topiary, offered as sidebars and archive drawings. There is extensive information on creating forms and shaping topiary. The illustrator's drawings echo the whimical sentiment of topiary, while the authors' offering of botanical information help the hobbyist understand the science of what they are doing. I cannot imagine anyone reading this book and not bursting with ideas to make their own gardens come to life.

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars I was disapointed to say the least, January 26, 1998

By A Customer

As difficult as it is to find information on the art of topiary, this disapointing book gives a very vague picture. Perhaps the most frustrating thing about the book is the illustrations. It seems more like a comic strip than an information resource. For instance the 3 or 4 pages given to standards shows hand drawn renderings that look like my 5 year old drew them. It is interesting that they devoted so many pages to different types of wire shapes. It seems obvious to me that vines will grow on a rack shaped like a bird, and they will grow on a rack shaped like an elephant. I just didn't "get" showing us all the different shapes, and giving them all their own page. Good book for the novice, check it out at the library however, there isn't much reason to own it.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Satisfactory Introduction to Topiary, August 27, 1998

By A Customer

Before reading this book I had no experience with topiary. After reading this book I felt like I knew a little. I found that the text focuses on the history of the use of topiary. There were some sections on what plants to use and there was a LONG section on creating different wire forms. The illustrations are all hand drawn while I would have prefered to see actual pictures of the plants. This book is probably better for someone who knows a little about gardening basics instead of someone like me who knows nothing.