I've had an affection for topiaries for as long as I can remember, going way back to before I ever went to design school. I remember making them out of moss or dried roses for my own bedroom when I was just a teenager (ok, so maybe I spent a little too much time in my room!?). I think its the sparseness and their sculptural quality that I'm drawn to, very much the same reasons I'm drawn to potted orchids - simple but ornamental. Looking back at past projects I notice that I've used topiaries on almost every job, from traditional to modern spaces. They're an artistic form of nature that I find timelessly appealing.
Last year at this time I was in NYC and I remember being captivated by a shop window that was full of topiaires. I stood there gazing (drooling) as if they were designer shoes or handbags,,,,,,for what seem like ages, wanting so badly to take a few home with me!
Rosemary topiaries are one of my favorites, beautiful and edible!
On a recent photoshooot I used a couple of mismatched ones to style my clients kitchen table. At the time, I had to scour the city trying to find them (why is you can NEVER find what you need when you want it!!??) - all I kept thinking of was the little shop in NYC that had been overflowing with them...
I love the look of this one, its wild shaped top paired with a modern cube pot. This one currently sits on my own coffee table, a nice change from the fresh orchid I usually have here.
My current favorite pot for topiaries are these taupe coloured clay pots from Home Depot. I'm simply crazy for this colour which i find so much more chic looking than typical terracotta colour.
**Edit**
I couldn't do a post on topiaries without including this space by one of my favorite designers Vicente Wolf. I simply love everything about this grouping, especially those chairs.
It feels good to be back on the blog again - its been a while!! So much to blog about soo little time,,,,I'm looking forward to updating all that's been happening here soon......
All Photos: Carol Reed
