Topiary
Topiary is the art of shaping and trimming plants—typically evergreens like boxwood or yew—into decorative forms that enhance garden structure and design. Common topiary shapes include balls, often used in repetition for rhythm and symmetry, and spirals, which add a sculptural twist to pathways or entrances. Half standards, featuring a clipped crown atop a bare stem, provide height and elegance in containers or borders. Cones offer a clean, architectural profile and are frequently used to frame doorways or garden vistas. These shapes, whether used alone or in combination, bring order, texture, and visual interest to formal and modern gardens alike.