A Topiary Garden Visit
"Myrtle, with its dark, glossy leaves and sweet, fragrant blossoms, has forever been the living emblem of enduring love."
Topiaries
I’ve always been drawn to topiaries. Perhaps it’s their sculptural beauty, or the way they instantly transport me to the gardens of France.
Brimfield Antique Show Pitstop
Every May, I make my annual trip to the Brimfield Antique Show in Western Massachusetts. Having grown up nearby, going to Brimfield has become a tradition I look forward to every spring. I still love wandering through the fields searching for old garden pieces, weathered urns, antique furniture, and little treasures that feel collected over time.
One of my favorite stops each year is a quaint topiary nursery, tucked not too far away from the fair.
Touring the Nursery
Last week, after spending the morning antiquing in the rain, I made my way to the nursery to pick out a few myrtle topiaries for the shop. Rows and rows of beautifully sculpted topiaries filled the greenhouses, some perfectly round, others tall and whimsical—each one shaped so carefully by hand. What I didn’t expect was to meet Ryan, the head gardener, responsible for caring for over 5,000 topiaries which they ship all over the country.
As we walked through the nursery together, Ryan shared some of his best tips for keeping topiaries healthy and thriving. What I loved most was how simple and approachable he made it all feel.
“Most people overcomplicate them,” he told me. “It really comes down to watering and trimming.”
Topiary Tips and Tricks
One of the easiest ways to know when a topiary needs water, he explained, is simply by lifting the pot. If it feels light, it’s time to water. The time between waterings changes depending on the season, the heat, and where the plant is living.
He showed me how he trims them by gently turning the plant in his hand while carefully shaping it from every angle. Surprisingly, one of his favorite tools is a pair of dog grooming shears because they allow for soft, precise trimming without damaging the shape.
I watched as he patiently clipped away, almost like an artist sculpting.
Ryan also shared how important it is to remove the tiny clover that often grows at the base of the pots. He explained how trimming and training the lower leaves over time helps create that beautiful rounded shape so many of us love.
Pro Tips for Topiary Care
Lift the pot — if it feels light, it’s time to water.
Myrtle topiaries prefer bright light and consistent moisture.
Frequent light trimming keeps the shape full and sculpted.
Gently rotate the plant while trimming to shape it evenly.
Fertilize every 2–4 weeks during the growing season.
Stake taller topiaries to help maintain their shape.
Myrtle topiaries enjoy spending summers outdoors.
Bring indoors before temperatures dip too cold.
Topiaries thrive with patience, consistency, and regular care.
Did you know the myrtle plant has spiritual meaning in ancient mythology and religion, symbolizing love, peace, and prosperity? It is also said that myrtle encourages us to slow down and connect with the harmonious cycles of life, death and rebirth.
In a world that moves so quickly, it reminded me that beautiful things often take time… one careful trim at a time.
Bientôt,
Sandra