Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, exhibits dazzling flora year-round, so it's always worth the time to wander through their gardens. The peaceful atmosphere and beauty alone can provide gardening inspiration and a mini-vacation from hectic life.
But a recent Phipps show, "Mystical Beasts," showcased a twist on topiary tradition. And if you've read about my garden, you know I am a gal who loves a good topiary. So today, come with me and we'll explore a world of magic and whimsy...These are not your average lollipop trees.
Step off the bus... Venture through the doors... And there before your eyes is one of the most revered and elusive of mythic beasts-- the unicorn. This is one of the more traditional topiaries we'll be seeing today.
Topiaries usually come in one of two types: a tree or shrub cut-to-shape, or a wire form upon which plants like ivy wind around to flesh out the form. And--
Oh no! I think we've disturbed it. Shhhh... let's move on to the next room...
YIKES! It's a dragon archway with heads at either end! Based on those teeth and that smoke coming out of THIS mouth, I do believe this must be a case of two heads NOT being better than one-- not for our health, anyway. If we dare inspect it more closely, we can see this dragon had been fit together on a wire form... Then the eyes were...
The eyes, er, look kinda... hungry... don't they?...Here's some nice plant food for you, Beastie. That's it: Miracle Gro, yum-yum.
(...Let's pick up the pace just a bit, shall we?)
Most of the creatures you'll see here are a clever combination of sculptural objects and greenery, so they're not all technically topiary design. But, honestly, how often do you see a candy-colored snake having a sip?
A centaur with more bark than bite?...
And a misting Medusa?...
The room here below is the one I always find most inspirational for my own gardening design. This little English formal garden has varying looks throughout the year.
As you see it here in autumn during our magical Mystical Beasts tour, it's lush and untamed, like the layout has overgrown. The colors, too, feature cooler looking blues, greens and purples than usual.Because this: this is what the same room looked like in Spring. The low hedgerows, trimmed appearance, statuary and symmetry are all elements you expect to see in formal gardens.
Well, let's take one last look around and make sure we didn't miss anything important here at Phipps and--Oh NO! The hideous Hydra!...
(Er, and an attacking plant, too.)...Run away! Run away! Back on the bus!...
Everyone make it? Phew! So much for peace and tranquility.
Go and have a nice lie-down, and I'll see you next week.
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