If you’re a plant lover, then chances are high that you know how to appreciate a good topiary setup. Beautiful, impressive, and almost always jaw-dropping, these perfectly manicured landscapes can instantly elevate the look of any home. They can also be one of the most challenging outdoor home improvements you could ever take, because let’s admit it, they are not exactly the easiest to start or manage.
That doesn’t mean, however, that you can’t start this kind of backyard redesign project yourself. Read on for some tips that can guide you if you’re considering building one on your own.
1. Assess your space.
The success of this outdoor home improvement project depends on how great your plants will look. That means the type of environment you have in your home should actually be good enough for plants to survive. You need rich soil, the right amount of sunlight, and even the perfect shade to help your greenery flourish. Depending on the place, location, and climate, you also need to choose the right plants that will best suit your outdoor conditions.
2. Create a visual plan of what you want your topiary to look like.
Just like with interior home decor interior projects, you need to have a solid plan on what you want your topiary to look like. This will be easier if you are planning to buy already trimmed and grown plants, but you have to be extra meticulous if you want to grow and groom your own.
Some questions you need to answer are:
- Which plants will look together?
- How long do you need to wait before you can start pruning one to your tastes?
The best plant for your topiary project will depend on the length of time available, your purpose, and of course your desired result.
3. Consider alternatives if you need to.
A full, all-natural topiary sure is impressive, but that doesn’t mean that your backyard redesign will be any less appealing if you decide to mix some artificial plants here and there, like Oaklane’s Faux Boxwood Topiary Ball. Maybe you don’t have enough planting space or enough time to always prune and trim. Regardless, artificial plants can still deliver as long as you choose the right pieces to add to your landscape.
Remember: It’s OK to take shortcuts. Buy topiary patterns, get grown and trimmed plants, or just use artificial topiaries if that’d be more convenient. You don’t need to slave over in perfecting this outdoor home improvement project if you think you don’t have the time for it.
4. Furnish the space.
Plants take centerstage for projects such as this, but you can increase the visual impact of your topiary by complementing it with the right pieces and furnishings. For example, choosing the right vases for your plants can add to the visual theme that you are trying to create. Consider the rustic Doric I for that understated oomph!
This isn’t limited to what you only use for your plants, too. Your choice of other pieces, for example, outdoor tables, chairs, and smaller accessories—like our quirky accent piece Grasshopper II—can complete the overall look.
Go Green for the Summer
Are you feeling inspired to try building a topiary as your next patio redesign project? You can browse our website for high-quality designer pieces that can up the ante of your backyard.
To know more about our collections, contact us here.
