landscaping introductory lecture

1. Hedges ,
Edges and
Topiary
by :
Ar . Surashmie Kaalmegh
Dept. of Interior Design
L.A.D College for Women Of Arts,
Commerce Science & Smt. R. P.
College of Home Science & Home
Science Technology,
Nagpur.

2. Hedges

3. 7 Types of Hedges
Hedging plants can be trees,
shrubs, vines, Agaves,
Bromeliads, Cacti or
Yuccas.
 Hedges  used to create discrete
spaces
create boundaries or mark
property lines
 They help :---
 keep out intruders,
 provide privacy from overly-
curious
neighbours , (provide privacy.)
 screen off unattractive views
 act as a windbreak.
 also provide shelter from
storms
 stop the soil erosion on a
slope
 reduce noise pollution from
busy roadways.
Landscape hedges are easy to
maintain and can be planted in
nearly any climate & are closely
spaced plantings.
Hedges have different set of
uses but the choice of hedging
will always depend upon
intended use.
They are a great addition to
any Garden landscape
Hedges are simply trees,
Bushes or shrubs that have
been planted in a row.

4. Trees & Shrubs

5. Hedge Plants :
come in a variety of
shapes and sizes.
 small and rounded / tall
and conical.
 range (height) - foot to
twenty feet high.
 The type of plant used --
 desired result.
 either - evergreen or
deciduous.
There are hedge plants
that grow in nearly every
climate on the planet.
 The look  row of hedge
plants can either be
formally pruned, or more
naturally grown.
This depends on the
desired result.
 An Informal looking hedge
may not work well in a
garden that is very pruned
and organized.
Evergreen hedge plants will retain
the foliage year round, and will
therefore serve the purpose of a
screen or shield even during bad
season.
Deciduous hedge plants
will lose their leaves in the
winter/ summer . This makes them
less susceptible to damage,
but also less useful as a screen.

6. Choisya ternata
Agave
Yucca
Species for Hedges :

7. There are generally two
ways to grow hedges:
formal and informal.
FORMAL HEDGES
 are pruned and
trimmed into a
geometric shape,
generally a
rectangular
wedge. Formal
hedges must be
wider at the
bottom, to allow
sunlight to reach
to lower foliage.
INFORMAL
HEDGES are not
pruned to shape.
 They are allowed to
grow into natural
shapes.
 These types of
landscape hedges,
while not
requiring as much
care, will only work
in naturalistic
designs.
 Informal landscape
hedges will not look
attractive in a
garden that is highly
manicured.

8. • Landscape hedges are fun
and easy to grow, and
provide an attractive, natural
looking border.
• They are used instead of
fences, because fences,
especially chain link fences,
can look very unappealing to
the eye.
• Landscape hedges, when
enough care is given, will
provide years of shelter and
enjoyment

9. HEDGE AS DIVIDERS & WALLS

10. HEDGE USED TO IMPROVE AESTHTICS OF A SPACE OR
AS AN AESTHETIC ELEMENT

11. HEDGE AS SCREENS &
DIRECTIONAL FEATURE

12. HEDGES AS ENCLOSURES OR BOUNDARY

13. HEDGES: SCULPTURAL VALUE

14. COLOURFUL HEDGES :

16. Before & after : adding hedges

17. Britains tallest Yew hedge
Bathurst Estate ,Cotswolds 70 ft. high
The world's tallest hedge of
any type is the beech hedge
at Meikleour in Perthshire,
which ranges from 80ft to
120ft.
RECREATION SPACES : A HEDGE MAZE, THE FOCUS

18. Meikleour
Beech hedge
100 ft – height
½ mile long
Planted – 1746
Perthshire- scotland
Species - Beech

19. Dark hedge  N. Ireland
Bregagh road ,
Village  Armoy
300 yrs. Old Beech trees

20. HEDGE MAINTENANCE
AND PRUNING :

21. Step 1 - Start by removing
long shoots coming up
from base, as indicated in
yellow, that spoil the shrub's
shape and appearance
Step 2 - Remove all branches
that are lying on the ground
as well as all the broken,
diseased, dead, or criscrossing
branches
Step 3 - Thin out about
1/3
of the oldest branches,
leaving no stubs. After
blooming the next
season
cut out about 1/3 of the
oldest and all of the
dead
branches and
repeat year after year.

22. PRINCIPLES OF PRUNING
 Evaluate the whole plant - Pruning
affects the entire plant. By assessing the
plant as a whole, you can make a better
decision as to what to cut to give the best
results.
 Think before  cutting – do not prune
without a definite reason
1. Apical dominance is broken when a stem
is cut – allows lateral buds to grow
2. Pruning invigorates regrowth – plants
respond to pruning with a burst of new
growth: the more severe the pruning, the
more severe the regrowth.
3. Pruning can be used to direct growth –
carefully select which bud will become the
topmost bud.
 Timing is critical –
1. Prune spring flowering shrubs right after
they bloom.
2. Prune summer and fall flowering shrubs in
the early spring but while the plant is
dormant.
3. Pruning can be used to create special
effects – add unique shapes and
forms to the landscape.
 Safety is important!
Watch out for electric lines! Wear proper
eye protection. pruning requires a ladder or
climbing into a tree  a professional.

24. SHEARING :

26. Edges

27. What is "garden edging?"
 Primarily, landscape edging
materials are used for separation
or containment .
 Edging is used in landscaping as
a barrier between surfaces of
different mediums .
 On an aesthetic level, garden
edging could be said to "define a
border" within a landscaped area
e.g., between a lawn and a
mulched garden bed.
 Garden edging also goes by the
names, "lawn edging" or
"landscape edging";
 Edging is the digging process that
defines the earthen bed that
surrounds the various rows and
clumps of shrubs
The simplest type of garden
edging is a shallow trench cut at a
lawn's edge. But trenches must be
re-cut periodically, and that contributes
to maintenance.

28. THE EDGE / EDGES :

29. Reasons for
edging
 grasses spread via
stolons. Without garden
edging,
 constantly pulling
grass out of planting
beds would be
necessary .
 contain the mulch to
stop it from spilling over
the lawn
 The edging material is similar to a
picture frame.( It increases the
value of the picture and keeps it in
good condition for a long time.)
 The material should have a width
comparable to the bed size ,
 should add to the beauty without
being the main attraction
Functions of edging :

30. Mowing strip
Mowing strips: One form of garden edging is
a "mowing strip" . When mowing, the wheels run
on one side of the mower right on top of the
mowing strip. This allows to mow borders up-
close, so as to avoid having to use string
trimmers.

31. Types of Edging
materials:
 Rock
 Brick
 Wood
 Bamboo
 Plastic
 Terracotta
 Concrete
 Pavers
 Foliage plants
 Metal
 Resin mix
 Rubber & many
more

32.  It is popular  separating the
lawns and flowerbeds.
 It is versatile  shaped by even
untrained individual with a minimal
training.
 Many colours - possible.
 If finished properly,  edging
looks good , retains position /
durable without degrading.
 Durability & the possibility of being
repainted with cement color or
acrylic colors make it a cost
effective solution.
 Disadvantages : The minimum
width of concrete is about 4 inches
---- it is not very suitable for the
small gardens.
 The concrete edging with curves
requires skilled persons to make it
look good.
 The color mixes in the concrete
fades with passage of time and
requires to be painted again after
some time.
Concrete Edging :

33. Preformed Concrete Bricks
 The bricks are made in molds
 uniform shape & size &
interlocking.
 Interlocking capability -
installations easier & no skill is
required in setting the bricks in
position.
 various colours , design 
available
 Since the die used can be made
easily, customizing  the bricks is
easy and  variety of designs.
 Disadvantages:
The custom design makes it
difficult for maintenance. Unless
they are kept in stock, changing a
broken brick or a line of bricks will
be difficult .
With weather changes bricks
changes color and even if there is
a replacement , the replaced brick
stands out.

34.  Wooden Edging
 been in vogue  long time
 Is used  a rustic
appearance is desired &
the lines between the lawn
,the border need not be
very distinct.
 Disadvantage : The stumps
do not look very good
compared to other material
.
 since it remains near a
source of water, painting is
not a very attractive option.
 The diameter of the
stumps makes it as
unsuitable for gardens that
are smaller.
 The painting also becomes
a recurring maintenance
problems adding to the cost
and effort of maintenance
height of about 6 to 8
inches above the
ground
can be painted.
Wood also  in
sheet form for use as
an edging material.
The sheets are
thinner in
width & can be bent
in shape
and fixed in ground
permanently.

35. Steel / metal Edging
 Is long lasting , colourful.
 Metal bands  cheapest edging , are very
effective
 require very less maintenance.
 other metals edging  can be used but
generally stainless steel is widely used.
 Once fitted  possibility of removal is remote
& if removed  might need replacement
altogether.
 Available  in thinner sections and can be
put in position with clips, ensures bands or
the strips can be fixed by individuals with little
knowledge of working with metals.
 Is preferred by professional gardeners is
aesthetical and can be fixed up easily.
 Good water retention less displacement .
 Places where the water retention is a major
consideration, the edging material is driven
deeper into the soil & seepage avoided.
Disadvantages: are the high cost of material
but the beauty of steel edging material gives
the garden a look that cannot be achieved
with other materials. The thinner sections
make it as an ideal material for smaller
gardens.

36.  Plastic Materials
 Plastic materials can replace
the steel edging materials at
a fraction of cost of the steel
materials and can look as
good at the start.
 The look of plastic is not
liked by many and it is
perhaps preferred only as a
low cost alternative.
 The plastic can age quickly
and heat of the sun can
make it crack early if the
material is not protected
against it.
 Chlorinated PVC is a good
material for edging and has
resistance to aging action by
sun’s rays.

38. Topiary

39. WHAT IS A TOPIARY ?
 SCULPTURE MADE FROM A TREE OR
SHRUB.
 THE SHAPES  SIMPLE GEOMETRIC TO
MORE ELABORATE SCULPTURES ,
SHAPES OF ANIMALS AND MYTHICAL
CREATURES.
 TREES THAT ARE COMMONLY USED ARE
THOSE THAT HAVE A DENSE FOLIAGE,
OTHERWISE WHEN PRUNED THEY
WOULD LOSE THEIR GREEN AND
EXPOSE THE BRANCHES.
 TOPIARY TREES CHOICE DEPENDS ON :
WHERE – location
(AS TO MATCH EXISTING ELEMENTS),
ARTIST CHOICE –
(STYLE & TECHNIQUE PLAY A MAJOR
ROLE), &
THE FINAL SHAPE –
(SOME TREES ARE BETTER SUITED FOR
PARTICULAR SHAPES THAN OTHERS).
 THESE TREES ARE GROWN AND PRUNED
TO ACQUIRE THE SHAPE DESIRED BY
THE DESIGNER.

41. History & Types
West –( Rome )
– Topiarus meaning
Ornamental landscape
Today, there are three main
types of topiary –
1. traditional,
2. sphagnum and
3. trained ivy.

42.  This is ornamental shaping of
freestanding trees and shrubs.
These plants can be large,
permanent structures in
expansive spaces or can lend
formal elegance to even small,
urban gardens.
 While traditional topiary can be
the main focus of a garden, it
can also be used to highlight
other features, like fountains,
stonework or other plants.
TRADITIONAL TOPIARY
freehand clipping,- using only
judgement as a guide
sometimes young,
growing plants
are trained into
desired shapes over
many years.
by purchasing
mature plants
and pruning them
into the shape
wanted

43. shaping stems in addition to leaves
and branches by wrapping young
tree stems around supportive staffs
and training them into shapes like coils.
guiding frames- to determine
the shapes of the plants

45.  Topiarists prune plants
growing out of sphagnum
moss-filled frames into desired
shapes.
 Using creeping plants, a
sphagnum topiary project can
be created in just a few
months.
 Topiarists adapt this method for
use outdoors -- as large
freestanding structures -- and
indoors -- as small tabletop
decorations.
Sphagnum topiary
or frame topiary

46. Sphagnum moss

50. People with space and
time limitations may find
trained ivy topiary the
most accessible.
Topiarists using this
method train trailing plants
like ivy to grow around
two- and three-
dimensional wire frames to
bring life to very small
spaces like desktops.
Hobbyists can
create many shapes, from
geometric forms to animal
figures and even corporate
logos, with this form of
topiary.

51.  The Different Shapes of Topiary :
 Traditional shapes include balls,
pyramids, spirals, cones and
birds, while more eclectic
creations include dragons, Mickey
Mouse and detailed scenes
eg . the Topiary Park Museum at
Old Deaf School Park in
Columbus, Ohio.
Architectural topiary includes
structures like mazes, arches and
walls.
Some topiarists take advantage of
high vantage points like balconies
to overlook .
eg.Versailles-inspired parterre --
shrubs and paths arranged in an
intricate pattern.

52.  Topiary Maintenance

Once created a topiary is a masterpiece,
For it retains its trained or sculpted shape
,
it needs to be maintained .
Each plant has different
requirements and vulnerabilities,
 Clipping ,water ,fertilizer- according
to the type of plant selected, as well as
protect it from extreme temperatures,
insects and disease.
 Many plants used to create
traditional topiary require clipping
annually to retain their shape. Generally,
pruning in extremely cold or hot weather
is not correct Spring is a good time.
Prune from the top of the plant down.
the shape of traditional topiary can be
maintained and encourage new growth
by pinching off stray ends of branches.
plant health by removing any damaged
or dead branches or leaves.
 The shape of sphagnum
topiary by replacing
 dead or dying leaves and
branches
 with healthy ones. Use of
florist's wire to hold
 stubborn pieces in place if
necessary
 . Use of frame to guide
trimming in areas
 where plants have grown
too thick, and use of healthy
growth to cover bald spots.
 To water sphagnum moss
topiary, the structure
soaked in water is good ,
and mist it as necessary.
 creeping plants used in
trained ivy topiary should be
kept in check by clipping
and pinching off ends as
necessary. Rearrange extra
vines to cover thin spots in
the topiary creation, and use
florist's wire to train new
growth. Remove dead
pieces to keep plant healthy.

53. Thuja Occidentalis

54. references
 www.atgallery.apartmenttherapy.com
 www. Myhomeideas.com
 www.ahahh.blog.lemonde.fr
 www.Ecovoice.com.au
 www.Ellineurope.blogspot.com
 www. madisonblockandstone.com
 www.donnan.com
 www.abouthedges.com