I've had an affection for topiaries for as long as I can remember, going way back to before I ever went to design school. I remember making them out of moss or dried roses for my own bedroom when I was just a teenager (ok, so maybe I spent a little too much time in my room!?). I think its the sparseness and their sculptural quality that I'm drawn to, very much the same reasons I'm drawn to potted orchids - simple but ornamental. Looking back at past projects I notice that I've used topiaries on almost every job, from traditional to modern spaces. They're an artistic form of nature that I find timelessly appealing.
Last year at this time I was in NYC and I remember being captivated by a shop window that was full of topiaires. I stood there gazing (drooling) as if they were designer shoes or handbags,,,,,,for what seem like ages, wanting so badly to take a few home with me!
Rosemary topiaries are one of my favorites, beautiful and edible!
On a recent photoshooot I used a couple of mismatched ones to style my clients kitchen table. At the time, I had to scour the city trying to find them (why is you can NEVER find what you need when you want it!!??) - all I kept thinking of was the little shop in NYC that had been overflowing with them...
I love the look of this one, its wild shaped top paired with a modern cube pot. This one currently sits on my own coffee table, a nice change from the fresh orchid I usually have here.
My current favorite pot for topiaries are these taupe coloured clay pots from Home Depot. I'm simply crazy for this colour which i find so much more chic looking than typical terracotta colour.
**Edit**
I couldn't do a post on topiaries without including this space by one of my favorite designers Vicente Wolf. I simply love everything about this grouping, especially those chairs.
It feels good to be back on the blog again - its been a while!! So much to blog about soo little time,,,,I'm looking forward to updating all that's been happening here soon......
All Photos: Carol Reed
Not so keen on the perfectly manicured lollipop variety, but a little bit of wildness - like these ones - are truly fabulous in pots. And in the garden, well most of my saturday mornings are spent clipping the (too many) topiary plants into balls, cones & pyramids.
ReplyDeleteI don't find it strange in the slightest that you spent ages staring at the window display of them - but then perhaps that reveals much about me too! Lovely to see you back on the blog again. I have missed you! Virginia xo
I am going to look for some for our thanksgiving table.
ReplyDeleteLove those pots. Glad you are back and cannot wait to share our renovation soon. Still a ways to go, but it will be worth it.
pve
I'm happy to see you back. I've missed your posts.
ReplyDeleteI love topiaries also. But I've only had Christmas type ones in the past. Thank you for opening my eyes to others.
Aw thank you ladies,,,,I've got a log of catching up to do in blogland. I'm currently suffering from a version of writer's block,,,,not for lack of content but soo much buzzing thru my head and across my desk that I can't focus my thoughts!!! : /
ReplyDeleteHa, yes Virginia I feel the same way about the lolipop variety,,,much prefer the wilder ones, it is an artform isn't it! I'm not surprised you have them in your garden : )
PVE so looking forward to seeing more of your renovation!!
Lots of exciting projects on the horizon here......
C