Topiary Around the World

Topiary displays can be made in any shape imaginable. While many people create topiary designs in their own yards or hire experts to do it for them, there are several places that are actually famous for their topiaries.

In Australia, for example, the Railton Town of Topiary is known for its “ Outdoor Art Gallery” that consists of topiary designs as well as other pieces of art. In addition, there are numerous topiaries on display at various levels of development, so visitors can visualize the process in action.

The world’s tallest topiary can be found in Asia in Manipur, India. This topiary, which was began in 1983, now measures a whopping 61 feet in height. It is made from a Duranta erecta shrub and is in the shape of a satra, or sekpil. It stands in honor of a forest god by the name of Umang Lai. The Royal Palace in Thailand is also well-known for its topiary.

As might be expected, there are numerous famous topiaries throughout Europe. Levens Hall and Topiary Gardens, for example, is a garden that was started in the late 17 th century. England is also home to Cliveden, Hidcote Manor Garden, Knightshayes Court, and Great Dixter Gardens. The Chateau de Villandry is in France, while Italy is home to the Villa Lante and the Castello Balduino. Those traveling to Scotland can visit the Drummond Castle Gardens and then stop off at Wales to see Portmeirion. In Stiffkey, Norfolk, visitors can see a number of designs, including a guitar and a line of elephants.

The United States also boasts a number of topiaries. A 140 year old topiary garden can be visited at Hunnewell Arboretum in Wellesley, Massachusetts. The most famous topiary in North America, depicting a hunt complete with riders, horses, dogs, and foxes, can be seen at Ladew Topiary Gardens in Monkton, Maryland.