Agrumi Archives - Bespoke topiary plant sculptures

Classic Topiary Plants

July 20, 2015 By Agrumi

Here at Agrumi we specialise in Bespoke Topiary, however, we also supply many classic architectural topiary shapes.

We can offer balls, cones, pyramids, spirals and standards, all at very competitive prices in a wide variety of plant species.

Bay (Laurus Nobilis)

This erect, evergreen shrub has aromatic ovate leathery leaves useful in cooking. Its small, greenish-yellow leaves grow in dense clusters making it perfect for growing as a standard tree. Its oval, glossy fruits become black when ripe.

Common Box (Buxus Sempervirens)

Is a slow-growing evergreen shrub, compact in habit with small, glossy oval or oblong leaves and small yellowish flowers. It is not suitable for bespoke topiary, but perfect for classic topiary shapes like balls and spirals.

Cypress (Leylandii)

The prolific growing properties of the evergreen Leyland cypress can make it a source of irritation when used a hedge or screen, but it also makes for beautiful classic standard topiary when kept under control. The genus provides species in a palette from dark green to pale yellow.

Holly (Ilex)

Holly is a tough plant, happy in free-draining soil in most positions in tubs or in open ground. With a range of dark green or variegated species and the promise of beautiful red berries, it makes another perfect choice for standard topiary designs.

Arborvitae (Thuja species)

These coniferous evergreens have a stringy texture and reddish-brown bark. They are widely grown as ornamentals and hedges, but also make good standard trees.

Common Myrtle (Eugenia or Myrtus species)

This bushy, medium-sized shrub has small aromatic, ovate leaves and profuse star-like white flowers, 2cm in width followed by purplish-black berries. In contemporary plant-lore it symbolises love and is routinely used in Royal wedding bouquets.

Yew (Taxus species)

Slow-growing, but long-lived these coniferous trees can grow up to 40 metres high. Used in standard topiary however, and kept clipped, they make stunning, dense show plants.

Choosing your topiary plant

July 16, 2015 By Agrumi

The best type of plant for your topiary depends on its purpose, desired result, and length of time available…

Here at Agrumi we can make topiary in four possible categories: Living plants, Moss, Artificial Products and Bare-bones

Living Plants

For when you have more time on your hands to wait for your topiary of choice to properly flourish and fluff out. Requires on going care and maintenance, particularly during the growing seasons.

Taking its time – slower growing topiary-friendly plants

Box-leafed Privet (Ligustrum Delavayanum)

Elephants in Ligustrum

Our plant of choice for when you want long lasting topiary and don’t mind waiting for results; it takes a while before reaching its prime but looks wonderfully fluffy after one growing season. This is a compact, evergreen shrub with oval dark green leaves and small white flowers in early summer, followed by blue-black berries. This is a very good bespoke topiary choice, it is resilient, easily woven onto wire frames, and also makes for fine classic topiary shapes from stock.

Read our guide for more information on proper care for your topiary.

Against the clock – fast growing topiary-friendly plants

Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum Jasminoides)

Stiletto in Star Jasmine

If you’re after something in a hurry this vigorous, evergreen twining plant is the ideal choice for bespoke topiary in a hurry with fabulous results in a mere matter of weeks. It has oval leaves 5-8cm in length which often turn deep red in winter – lending another dimension to topiary figures. This plant also develops fragrant white flowers during the summer, an added bonus, 2-5cm in width that mellow to a cream colour with age.

Common Ivy (Hedera Helix)

The genus Hedera is fast-growing, evergreen and there are many species within it. Agrumi use the small-leaved varieties, either plain or variegated depending on the commission.

Moss Products

Jaeger Hounds in Dried Dyed Moss

We can also use dried moss as an alternative to living topiary to create fuller looking topiary in an instant. Moss creates a healthy looking, soft, green topiary which requires very little maintenance. Eventually, after some time in the sun, your moss topiary will begin to lose colour and fade; not to worry, as the solution can be very simple! You may decide to remove and replace the old moss with a newer fresher product, or, simply fill in any areas which are loosing their colour. Alternatively the simpler solution is to spray/paint your topiary with a natural looking green paint.

We’ve created a Polo player, Hyundai Car and the base of our RHS Hampton Court garden all using moss!

Artificial Products

We also make topiary using a range of artificial plant/grass products; providing a long lasting, low maintenance alternative.

Boxwood matting

Radley dog in Artificial Boxwood

Artificial Boxwood matting can be very effective if you’re looking for a realistic plastic alternative to living plants. We use a variety with deep ‘foliage’ and tonal shades of green which replicate the real thing. It is also UV fade protected, for long-term outdoor use, sturdy, light to carry and weather-resistant; providing an instant ever lasting wow-factor that can be used time and again.

The same talented wire artists that create our living plant topiary can use this to make topiary that requires absolutely no on-going care. It’s the perfect choice for clients wanting to commission items that they can transport and use over and over again for event/exhibitions both indoors and out.

Price-wise bespoke topiary made from artificial Boxwood matting doesn’t vary much from that made of living plants as it involves the same amount of work.

We’ve created a large Scottie dog for Radley Co., Easter bunny for Dobbies garden centres and, recently, a set of letters for Ryobi.

Namgrass

Dalek in Namgrass

Namgrass, a near neighbor to Agrumi in the New Forest, just so happen to be Britain’s premier supplier of artificial grass; making it the perfect partner for Agrumi’s topiary skills to provide light weight, portable, low maintenance topiary figures. With Namgrass you can have great looking topiary instantly that doesn’t require any further care.

Namgrass products have a natural look and feel, creating some stunning topiary designs, and are remarkably true to life

We’ve created a large Dalek, Velociraptor and Pudsey bear using Namgrass; all have been exceptionally popular with Namgrass stockists.

Bare Bones

LED Lighting

Sometimes customers want something a bit different to brighten up their designs with; therefore, we offer a fantastic alternative sculpture covering in the form of LED lights. This combination of LED lights and our wire frame sculptures creates a beautiful effect that will joyfully light up the night!

Stag frame in LED lighting

Last Christmas Agrumi got into the festive spirit by covering one of our wire topiary deer frames in 1000 twinkly LED lights. The work took no more than a morning and the results were fantastic. ‘Rudolf’ was stationed outside our local pub in the New Forest, ‘The White Buck’, and helped raise funds for Greenfingers, the charity that creates magical gardens for children’s hospices.

Following on from the success of our topiary stiletto covered in Star Jasmine, made to mark a fashion event at St Christopher’s Place off London’s Oxford Street, we were later commissioned again to produce an updated replacement of the existing stiletto design, but this time covered in beautiful, twinkling, LED lights; ordered just in time for Christmas it was the perfect way to get shoppers into the festive spirit.

Agrumi can design, make and deliver commissions like this within a few days at remarkably low costs; whether its for an evening event, advertisement or to just add some sparkle to the garden at night we think these LED frames are guaranteed to brighten up your night.

Wire Frames

T-rex in wire frame

And, of course, we can supply all of our topiary figures in their most basic wire frame form; perfect if you’re thinking of trying your hand at training your own topiary plant.

Whatever your desired shape, depending how complex/daring you feel, we can have topiary wire frames made at surprisingly affordable rates.

If you fancy getting started with something simple we can offer a circular cutting guide as to achieve precision pruning for the perfect topiary balls. Or express your creativity with something more intricate and have your art come to life.

Whatever you’re after, any size and shape, we can provide the frame; what you do with it thereafter is up to you! We like a challenge, so if you have something else in mind such as garden frames, cages, hanging baskets, an archway or plant frames, just let us know via the contact us page or give us a call! Perhaps you’re after something not strictly for the garden; an ornamental piece or wire mannequin.

Take a look at our portfolio and case studies for more examples and inspiration!
We can supply all of these and more, any size or shape, to suit your needs.

Topiary Animals

July 15, 2015 By Agrumi

Here at Agrumi, topiary animals are a popular item. We’ve made a huge range of animal topiary; from dogs to cats, woodland creatures to farm animals, and even Jurassic Dinosaurs! We can make any topiary animal bespoke, life size, miniature or exaggerated.

If you have something special in mind we’ll be able to accommodate; after a particular breed, size, set of animals or even mythical creatures, just let us know what you’re after and we’ll bring it to life!

Topiary Signage

July 15, 2015 By Agrumi

If you’re looking for something to entice the crowds, via logos, names, signs or sculpture, topiary signage can be a highly effective means of promoting your company image while encouraging a green, friendly message, with a welcoming breath of fresh air!

Great British Racing #Champions Day

Caring for your topiary

July 15, 2015 By Agrumi

Topiary art relies on a mutual relationship between you and your plant; the plants have been carefully sculpted to a frame and to maintain and even enhance the appearance of the sculpture some careful consideration and attention is required.

If you have purchased an artificial topiary product then, of course, no further maintenance is required; you can situate you topiary wherever is desired.

The majority of our living topiary products are made using Ligustrum delavayanum, commonly known as the Delavay Privet. There are a few basic principles to consider when caring for your new topiary plant:

Location

Obviously you will wish to place your topiary where you can best appreciate it, but take a minute to make sure the plant is also getting the conditions that it requires.

Ideally, place in deep, fertile, well-drained soil in a sheltered partially shaded site; Ligustrum is a very adaptable plant, and thrives in most situations except permanently water-logged soil – hence it is well suited for growing in containers – or extreme cold.

Watering

During the summer or in hot/windy sites it is especially important to water your plant during the first two years to prevent them drying out. Watering should take place every day, preferably during the evening, and care should be taken to avoid wetting the leaves. If the pots are standing in trays make sure that they do not continually contain water as this may cause rotting of the roots. A mulch of ornamental gravel can help maintain water in the compost.

When the sculpture is located outside during the non-growing season and, given sufficient rain, very little watering is required. Keep an eye on the moisture level in the pot, ensure good drainage, and only water if there is a shortage.

Once the plants have become established after the first two years they will require far less watering.

Feeding

If your topiary is left in the pot feeding your plant is essential for healthy growth; the nutrition available from the compost is quickly depleted, therefore a fertilizer will be necessary. The most convenient method is to use slow release fertilizer granules as they can be applied infrequently, depending on their life span; products such as Osmacote are readily available. You may wish to give plants in the ground the same slow release fertilizer; however it may not be necessary.

If your plant is suffering from a lack of nutrients, it will grow very slowly and the leaves will become coppery brown or develop cream/yellow tip. Ensure that proper growing conditions are restored and you can rejuvenate your plant in a few weeks.

Pruning

Ligustrum grows rapidly during the summer months and requires regular clipping to maintain the shape of the article. You can use garden shears
or a regular pair of scissors for this operation. If you’re looking to maintain the size and shape clipping every two to three weeks will be necessary during the growing season; once it stops in September it will no longer be necessary to trim until the next spring.

Increasing the size of the plant can be achieved by simply leaving an inch or two of new growth when trimming; while maintaining the thick bushy appearance and shape of the plant.

Topiary appreciate good air circulation; if you feel like the foliage becomes too thick it may be a good idea to thin out the growth, removing some of the longer branches, allowing more light and air into the body of the plant.

Re-potting

Ligustrum grows relatively well in containers, however, like any plant, has a smaller root ball when potted and requires more watering and feeding than the same when planted in the ground. It is advisable to re-pot the plants into a larger container every 2 years. This provides the plant with new compost and prevents the roots becoming pot bound. Pot bound plants make it difficult for the plant to access water and nutrients as the original compost will have been replaced with roots and the nutrients depleted.

If you cannot place your plant into a larger container, remove the plant and carefully remove some of the roots and soil from the root ball using a sharp knife and place back into the same pot. Mix the new compost with slow release fertilizer, it is preferable to use a loam based compost such as John Innes No 3; this will help rejuvenate your plant.

Pests and diseases

Keeping your topiary sculptures in good, healthy, condition will help them withstand any pests and diseases. However it is always a good idea to watch out for insects; such as leaf burrowing or scale forming insects. If you catch them early in the spring time you may be able to eradicate them with physical methods, removing the affected branches, or alternatively use chemical sprays to remove them. Likewise leaf spots, honey fungus and wilt can cause problems; be vigilant, ensure proper growing conditions are maintained and act early to prevent problems increasing.

Brown areas

Should the leaves of the sculpture become brown it’s likely that your plant isn’t receiving enough nutrients; a common problem with plants left in the pot if no new feed has been added and all the nutrients have been leached from the compost. Once the new fertilizer has been added the brown leaves should become green again within a few weeks.

Should the problem persist, it may be necessary to unwind the branches that are affected from the frame and to remove them with secateurs. This may expose the metal framework, however, leave the vegetation close to this area to grow and once they can cover the area exposed reattach them to the frame, twisting them in as you are able. The quick growing nature of Ligustrum means that the full shape and beauty are promptly restored.

We hope these instructions should help keep your sculpture in good condition and give you pleasure for many years to come.

Artificial Topiary

July 14, 2015 By Agrumi

We’re often asked approached by people who require topiary pieces made up in a hurry or for low maintenance ever lasting installations. For this kind of project, when there isn’t enough time for our standard Ligustrum to fluff up, our range of artificial topiary products are ideal to achieve that instant wow factor.

In artificial products we have up to five products to choose from; boxwood matting, namgrass, dried dyed moss or LED/bare bones topiary frames.

Artificial Boxwood Matting

Radley the Dog in Boxwood Matting

Artificial boxwood matting can be very effective if you’re looking for a realistic plastic alternative to living plants. We use a variety with deep ‘foliage’ and tonal shades of green which replicate the real thing. It’s suitable for long-term outdoor use, sturdy, light to carry and weather-resistant; providing an instant ever lasting wow-factor that can be used time and again.

Artificial Grass

Namgrass Dalek

Namgrass, a near neighbor to Agrumi in the New Forest, just so happen to be Britain’s premier supplier ofartificial grass; making it the perfect partner for Agrumi’s topiary skills to provide light weight, portable, low maintenance topiary figures. With Namgrass you can have great looking topiary instantly that doesn’t require any further care.

Dry Dyed Moss

Jaeger Hounds in Dried Dyed Moss

Dried moss topiary figures can be made as a green natural alternative to living topiary that we use to create fuller looking products in an instant; producing healthy looking, soft topiary which requires very little maintenance.

LED/Bare Topiary Frames

Stag frame in LED lighting

And, of course, we can supply all of our topiary figures in their most basic wire frame form; perfect if you’re thinking of trying your hand at training your own topiary plant. Or, alternatively, we offer a fantastic sculpture covering in the form of LED lights. This combination of LED lights and our wire frame sculptures creates a beautiful effect that will joyfully light up the night!

Giant Topiary

July 13, 2015 By Agrumi

Size is no object for Agrumi topiary. Whether for an event or just advertisement, giant-topiary can be an eye-catching and unusual way to draw in the crowds.

We recently completed our first international topiary commission against formidable competition! In just 10 days we designed, constructed and delivered a 3 metre high topiary teddy bear sculpture to a municipal project in Belgium; the impressive bear now features on a prominent roundabout site and is being enjoyed by thousands of people as they drive by on their daily commutes.

This two-metre high giant topiary shoe was commissioned by Rain Communications to launch a week-long fashion and floral-themed festival in London.

The design was based on a pair of similarly formed denim stiletto shoes purchased by Lady Gaga from Lungta de Fancy in St Christopher’s Place, near Oxford Street, and was made in just two weeks.

The local traders wanted to commemorate the celebrity visit; what better way than through the art of topiary!

Topiary letters, words & numbers

July 13, 2015 By Agrumi

2D ‘Agrumi’ letters in Ligustrum delavayanum

We can make topiary letters and numbers in any size, two or three-dimensional, in a choice of living Ligustrum, Star Jasmine, or, alternatively, using dyed dried moss or artificial materials.

Perfect for promoting a green environmentally friendly image, be it your company name in giant three-dimensional letters, planted outside your office for promotion or an event, we can make attractive signage to promote your business or welcome people to your event/property.

Or, alternatively, if it’s a special occasion such as someone’s birthday, anniversary, wedding or just an event in someone specials life, why not have us create a beautiful design of their name, initials, age or a special message to commemorate the occasion in beautiful living topiary that can be planted in the ground as a permanent living memento?

We recently made some topiary letters against the clock on behalf of BBC Entertainment which were displayed at the British Embassy in Oslo in honour of the Queen’s Official Birthday. We were more than happy with the result; using Star Jasmine as our plant of choice we were able to produce good looking topiary in a matter of days. You can watch a video of how we did it here.

The ‘BBC Entertainment’ letters in Star-Jasmine

‘Ryobi’ letters in artificial boxwood

Ryboi artificial boxwood topiary letters for Ryobi

Dry dyed moss topiary letters in a typewriter style font

Artificial grass wall mounted letters

Topiary Frames

July 12, 2015 By Agrumi

Underneath every one of Agrumi’s beautiful topiary pieces – whether made from living plants, grass, moss or artificial boxwood – lies a sculptural frame fashioned by hand from thin metal rods. Our gifted and imaginative team use their skills to craft these robust structures so they are capable of withstanding the plant weaving process, yet detailed enough to show the characteristic features of the design below. The frames can be bought ‘off the shelf’ from one of our existing designs, or made completely bespoke to your own ideas. We also make topiary frames, to any size, suitable for the horticultural techniques of training plants into pleached, espalier, arched, or caged designs.

Our topiary frames – works of art?

Minus the plants woven around the sculptures, Agrumi’s topiary frames are equivalent to works of art. The physical manipulation of material to form sculpture dates back to prehistoric times. Today the signature of a particular artist on a sculpture can command huge prices. Of course we’re not saying that Agrumi’s topiary frames are in the same league as art by Anish Kapoor, yet in their own way they catch the eye and prompt the viewer into a response – be it admiration for the modeling, appreciation of the skill involved in the fabrication or simply a recognition that it captures something authentic about the character of the figure portrayed.

Surely the reason why a piece of art is covetable is that it is distinctive and individual? The buyer pays for the time and effort the artist has contributed and in return expects to own something that is an exclusive one-off: an object that no one else has. Agrumi’s topiary frames offer a similar experience for comparatively little expense. Each frame is not just a commodity manufactured through a soulless production line; our frames are special. Each one is unique precisely because it is handmade. This means that no two frames are identical – even when they are constructed to the same physical dimensions and design. Each frame has quirks and idiosyncrasies that make it stand out from its peers.

Our topiary frames – a bit about their history

The fabrication process used by our team have been tried and tested over years of experimentation. Our senior topiary artist Luigi was originally from Northern Italy. He started work as an apprentice in the furniture-making industry for which his country is rightfully known as a world leader. Chairs and sofas need to be constructed from frames that are sturdy and durable, yet exhibit appealing aesthetic qualities when they are covered in fabric or leather. The process of attaching the covering to the frame beneath is also a skilled job where a true artisan can excel if they have an eye for detail, patience and dexterity of hand.

These accomplishments are not so very different from the techniques needed for topiary making. Recognising this, Luigi saw an opportunity to offer his natural aptitude and acquired skills to some of the many agricultural nurseries that abound in Northern Italy where topiary is an important part of the stock ranges. He also welcomed the chance to give his creative flair free reign outside the factory environment where he was previously employed.

Ever on the look out for new and interesting product lines to offer Agrumi’s customers, our Director Stanley Jackson routinely sources some stock from the Northern Italian specialists. Having lived in the area for years and speaking fluent Italian, he views it as a second home where he can obtain high quality plants at wholesale prices to pass on as savings to his customers. While there, Stanley came into contact with Luigi, a friendship was formed and, seeing a new opportunity for his unique skills, Luigi moved to the UK. We have been very lucky to benefit from his talent – expertise that he is now passing on to others at our New Forest nursery.

Our topiary frames – sculptures for gardens or businesses

Our topiary frames make wonderful stand-alone sculptures in a garden, landscape or home. Imagine the impression among family, friends and other visitors when they see one of our designs displayed to optimum effect in your personal space. Picture the delight of children encountering a family of elephants trailing across your lawn or a group of hares racing and boxing.

Our topiary frames can also be used to enhance exhibition spaces and communicate business and PR messages in a playful yet sophisticated way. A golfer outside a golf club; a horse outside a stud or stables; a car on a dealer’s forecourt: all these things advertise what your business is about clearly, but the message is upmarket and subtle. Look at the photographs on this page and you’ll appreciate creativity behind the replication of a life-size racehorse in steel, the capturing of the cheeky personality of a little terrier dog, the elegant sophistication of a stiletto shoe or the latent power of a Harley Davidson.

Our topiary frames – expertly engineered

Each of our topiary frames also offers a master class in the application of precision engineering and three-dimensional modelling. For people purchasing our frames for display purposes we increase the amount of metal detailing to ensure that as much fine detail as possible is achieved. The frames can be purchased galvanized or un-galvanized giving you the option of letting your new sculpture rust gracefully outside as it ages or of resisting corrosion from the elements. Inside of course, our frames retain their pristine looks.

Our topiary frames – ideal for budding topiary artists

Traditionalists more interested in the artistic attractions of clipped topiary than the substructures beneath, might be intrigued by the creative challenge of fashioning their own topiary sculpture from scratch. If you buy a frame, pot and plant from us separately, we’ll show you how to put the three together to make a stunning topiary focal point in your own mini Versailles. Creating a natural wonder out of steel and plants is skilled work, but with Agrumi’s know-how behind you it won’t be impossible to achieve. We’ll be there whenever you need help and advice on precision pruning.

Give our team a call on 01590 683487 to order a topiary frame today.

Classic Topiary Shapes

July 10, 2015 By Agrumi

Here at Agrumi our speciality is in Bespoke Topiary, however, we also supply many classic architectural topiary shapes.

We can offer balls, cones, pyramids, spirals and standards, all at very competitive prices. We supply them in a wide range of plant species; including Common Box, Conifer, the deciduous shrubs (Euonymus and Photinia) and the evergreen shrubs Ilex (of which Holly is one variety), Ligustrum (Privet) and Taxus.

We also have some beautiful specimen Cloud and Pom Pom-trained trees at the nursery; grown in a variety of species and sizes they make fantastic feature plants, placed in a prominent place they can gracefully enhance your garden design.