8 Best-Selling Topiary Books Millions Love

Unlike most gardening guides that focus narrowly on pruning basics, Deborah Reich and Barbara Gallup delve into the full spectrum of topiary art, balancing formal techniques with playful indoor projects. You'll find detailed instructions for styles ranging from traditional hedge sculptures to innovative indoor creations using ivy and azalea, accompanied by clear line drawings that make complex shapes approachable. The book doesn't just teach plant shaping; it enriches your understanding with design tips, tool recommendations, historical anecdotes, and specific planting schedules, making it a solid choice whether you're a hobbyist or an experienced gardener. If you want to explore topiary as both a craft and living sculpture, this book offers a thorough, hands-on approach that’s both instructive and inspiring.

Patricia R. Hammer's decades of experience with Longwood Gardens leads to a fresh perspective on topiary that blends artistry with horticulture. You learn how to shape plants not only for traditional formal designs but also for imaginative creations like life-size animal figures and chrysanthemums, with detailed guidance on growth stages and maintenance. The book reveals rarely shared techniques for both indoor and outdoor plant decoration, making it relevant whether you're a hobbyist or a professional gardener. If you want to add theatrical flair to your garden or interior greenery, this book offers practical insights and inspiration without overcomplicating the craft.

This tailored guide explores the art and science of topiary with a unique focus on mastering plant shaping and design techniques that resonate with your personal gardening experience and ambitions. It examines various shaping methods, plant selection criteria, and sculptural design principles, offering deep insights into creating and maintaining living garden sculptures. The book reveals how to blend traditional practices with your individual style to foster creativity and precision in topiary artistry. This personalized approach ensures the content matches your background and addresses your specific goals, making the learning process engaging and directly applicable to your gardening projects.

What started as Jenny Hendy's passion for garden art transformed into a practical guide for anyone intrigued by topiary. She draws from her experience crafting innovative shapes—from spirals and festive Christmas trees to whimsical animals—offering clear photos and instructions to inspire your creativity. You learn not just how to shape plants but also which fast-growing climbers suit different conditions, including growth rates and care needs. This book suits gardeners eager to explore traditional topiary effects without long waits, providing a hands-on approach that balances artistry and horticulture.

Chris Jones brings a practical eye to the art of indoor topiary, blending crafting techniques with natural decoration. You’ll learn how to select the right materials, from frames to containers, and master the nuances of planting, training, pruning, and clipping both live and dried plants. The book’s 25 projects, organized by shape, provide clear, illustrated guidance that demystifies the process, making topiary accessible even if you’ve never tried it before. If you enjoy hands-on creativity and want to add a touch of nature’s elegance to your indoor space, this book offers straightforward methods without unnecessary complexity.

Unlike most gardening books that skim over topiary as a niche art, this collaboration by Lombardi, Zanetti, and Elsley dives deep into the craft of shaping plants both in gardens and containers. You’ll find clear, illustrated steps on pruning and maintaining a variety of plants, from evergreens to flowering trees, making it accessible whether you’re starting with a single potted plant or planning a full garden maze. The book’s practical approach includes detailed guidance on tools, plant selection, and constructing popular shapes like spheres, baskets, and even ivy sculptures, ensuring you gain hands-on skills rather than just inspiration. If you’re eager to translate topiary from a daunting art into a manageable hobby, this book offers a straightforward path to mastering the basics.

This tailored book explores the art and craft of topiary with a unique focus on step-by-step actions designed for rapid project completion. It covers essential techniques and practical guidance that match your gardening background and specific interest in achieving tangible results quickly. By integrating proven knowledge from successful practitioners, this personalized guide addresses your goals for creating beautiful topiary forms within a 30-day timeframe, ensuring a focused and engaging learning process. You gain an in-depth understanding of plant selection, pruning methods, shaping approaches, and maintenance essentials, all tailored to your experience and desired outcomes. This book provides a clear, actionable pathway that aligns closely with your ambitions and gardening style, making the journey to topiary success both achievable and rewarding.

What happens when decades of horticultural expertise meets the ancient craft of topiary? David Joyce, a celebrated garden writer and planting consultant, distills his extensive knowledge into practical guidance that demystifies shaping plants into living sculptures. You’ll learn how to train fruit trees into espaliers and fans, sculpt shrubs into classic pyramids or whimsical animals, and even rejuvenate neglected hedges with clear illustrations guiding each technique. This book suits gardeners eager to add artistic structure to their outdoor spaces, whether you’re aiming for intricate knot gardens or easy mock topiary for quick impact.

What if everything you knew about topiary gardens was challenged by the detailed visual journey Ethne Clarke and George Wright offer in English Topiary Gardens? This book presents 160 pages awash with color photographs that showcase the art and tradition of English topiary. You’ll find yourself exploring not just shapes and styles but the underlying horticultural techniques and historical contexts that give these gardens their charm. It’s particularly suited to those who appreciate garden design and want to understand how artistry and nature intertwine in this unique form of gardening. While it’s visually rich, the book also serves as a practical inspiration for gardeners looking to incorporate classic English topiary elements into their own outdoor spaces.

Drawing from the growing trend of container gardening, Susan Berry explores how topiary can transform even the smallest outdoor spaces into living art. You learn how to select suitable plants, shape them effectively, and position topiary to create the illusion of an 'outdoor room,' whether on a patio or window ledge. The book offers practical guidance tailored to both novices and experienced gardeners interested in enhancing their environment with sculpted greenery. Chapters detail container selection and maintenance, making this a hands-on manual for anyone wanting to enliven their garden with ornamental structure.