Monday, May 21, 2018

Useful Information On Ivy Topiary

By Kathleen Stone


Topiary can be defined as a style of ornamental gardening. People who specialize in this field are referred to as topiarists. The work of topiarists is to produce or create sculptures out of a wide range of plants. This is attained by weaving, trimming, and training plants. The sculptures made vary a lot in size from gigantic trees to small herbs the size of a coffee mug. This is worth knowing about ivy topiary.

The word topiary originated from Latin. It roughly translates to ornamental gardener in English. People from ancient civilizations like Roman Empire and Greek engaged in this practice. According to historical evidence the practice emerged about 2000 years back. Topiary is assumed to have emerged from ancient Greek before spreading to the rest of Europe. It is believed to have spread during the Renaissance period. In Europe, it spread more in the Victorian era.

With the right set of tools and skills it can be done on any type of plant. But sub-shrubs and shrubs are commonly used. These types of plants are preferable because of the general manner in which they tend to grow. Their small leaves or needle like leaves usually grow to form dense but lightly packed cover foliage. Such plants include cypress, yew, bay laurel, the English ivy, jasmine, box, ficus, myrtle, privet rosemary and holly.

Topiary is an art that requires a lot of skill and practice. However, there are also many factors that determine success in this industry. One of the main factors is the choice of plant to use. It is also important to know that the various shrubs and sub-shrubs named about grow well in certain climatic and soil conditions. As such, it is important to consider the weather and soil type too.

Secondly, the tools used should be right for this job. Various tools are usually used. Each tool has a specific task. Shears should be used to reduce the plant to the right size during the initial cuts. Shears should have blades with slight angles. This allows the users to use them for cutting using either blade.

A pair of secateurs must be used when a person is doing more detailed work. The secateurs to be used should be fitted with a spring on the handles for easy manipulation by one hand. Every tool has to be cleaned after use for maintenance purposes. Cutting tools must be disinfected to prevent spreading of diseases to other plants. Antibacterial kitchen cleaner can be used. Tools must be regularly oiled and sharpened as necessary.

To achieve better results, a cutting guide should be used at all times. A cutting guide tells one which areas need to be cut and which ones should remain uncut. Part of achieving good results also involves cutting at the right time. The twigs should not be left to overgrow and they should also not be cut while still too young.

In conclusion, the shape that one intends to achieve should guide them into picking the right type of plant. Generally, the chosen plant must have certain percentage of resemblance to the required shape in its growth pattern. For example, a plant must have a general triangular shape if one intends to cut a pentagon into it.




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