TOPIARY
An Ancient Art...
Our mascot, Katie, originated in 1970 when Dragon's Point first came into being. She is purely a figment of the imagination and is named for Loch Katrine in Scotland. Her likeness, in green, holds a place of honor in our topiary garden.
While historians are unanimous in their disagreement, evidence of the practice of the ancient art of topiary has been found in 5000+ year old Egyptian tombs, China, Sumarian ruins and Babylon's Hanging Gardens. Topiary has evolved in many ways since those ancient artisans clipped and pruned their way into the history books.
Today, topiary is generally considered to have three major forms. The oldest is known as Clipped or Traditional Topiary. Many fine examples of this form grace formal English gardens and some of the worlds foremost theme parks. Click on the link to see some really neat photos of this oldest form.
Next is the form known as Stuffed or Portable Stuffed. A frame is formed from steel rods, moss is tied to the form and plants inserted. This is the form most prominently displayed in theme parks and botanical gardens. Click on the link for some whimsical examples.
The newest form is a great favorite. Chicken wire. That's right, it's the nasty stuff that leaves you looking like you've been in a cat fight. But in the right hands, it can turn a nondescript bush into something wonderful for your yard. Click on the links to see some nifty topiary.