Subscribe to Pleasure in Simple Things via RSS ReaderFollow Pleasure in Simple Things on InstagramFollow @InSimpleThings on TwitterLike Pleasure In Simple Things on FacebookFollow Pleasure In Simple Things on PinterestEmail Jackie

Tag: topiaries


the garden barn

19
June

plants at Flower Barn

When you have close friends that have fabulous gardens, you have the benefit of finding out about all their fabulous gardening resources!

Today, I am taking a field trip to one of these resources.  Two of my friends frequent a place called the Garden Barn and I have never been – until now!

moon and star topiary

I could plan a whole outdoor constellation themed party with these two topiaries and plenty of little white lights! So fun!

I could never go wrong taking a recommendation from either of the two friends I mentioned with the fab gardens.  I knew the Garden Barn would be great, but it was even better than my expectations.  (The fact that I have been isolated for so long may have contributed to my excitement!)

topiary deer

topiary deer close up

From the moment of arrival, the variety and quantity of beautiful, healthy plants is overwhelming.  And, the knowledgeable staff at the Garden Barn makes visiting a learning experience.

porpoise topiary

For today’s post, I decided to pick one unique item to showcase from my visit – topiaries.  I haven’t seen these at any other garden store I have visited so I thought they would be fun to share!

full horse topiary

horse topiary closeup

Have a wonderful weekend!  Thanks for stopping by.

Flower Barn

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

P.S.  If ever in the vicinity of Vernon, Connecticut, make a stop at The Garden Barn.

Comments Off on the garden barn | field trips, garden

a visit to atlanta botanical garden

30
November

Atlanta botanical garden

One fabulous stop included on my Atlanta trip this fall was the Atlanta Botanical Garden.  The best part was visiting on the tail end of the Imaginary Worlds exhibit.

Imaginary Worlds was a display of giant living plant sculptures!

topiary of a camel

These topiary-like whimsical sculptures were amazing to see and ranged up to 26 feet tall and 21 feet wide – including an enchanting mermaid, a trio of gigantic camels (my very favorite!), and a beautiful peacock!

The sculptures were made from steel forms covered in soil and sphagnum moss and planted with thousands of meticulously groomed plants – staged in 14 installations.

camel topiary at Atlanta Botanical

camel topiary closeup

The process for creating the Imaginary World sculptures took nearly six months.  After metal frames were fabricated, the empty frames were shipped to Atlanta, and the garden’s horticulturists began covering them with a mesh fabric and stuffing them with soil.

dog topiary at Atlanta Botanical Garden

Then the planting started.  More than 200,000 plants, primarily annuals, were inserted, one by one.  Sculptures were built in sections that were planted inside a greenhouse just outside the city, then trucked to the garden in spring for assembling on site.  Intricate irrigation systems beneath the surface of the sculptures allowed the plants to grow – and the creatures to flourish – in Atlanta’s summer heat.

topiary of a phoenix

I am sure the Atlanta Botanical Garden is always worth a visit, but I was thrilled to be able to visit during the Imaginary Worlds exhibit.  I hope you enjoyed a little glimpse of the display on today’s Friday field trip.

goddess topiary

Though beautiful, we didn’t get the chance to see this goddess in full splendor – she was already being disassembled to create a holiday display.

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a fabulous weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Comments Off on a visit to atlanta botanical garden | field trips, garden, travel

     

↑ Back to top