Review by Booklist Review
An age-old art, topiary still thrives today, especially at England's Levens Hall, where Crowder works as head gardener. Given Ashworth's expertise as a garden historian, the two ably and engagingly cover the history and creation of exquisite topiary specimens. Packed with photographs showing a wealth of imposing forms--vast embroidered parterre designs; fanciful creatures; and classic lollipops, spirals, and obelisks--the accompanying text delivers background information and plenty of sage advice. Crowder and Ashworth address the basics and provide design tips with an eye to placement and scale. Guidance on plant selection and planting, clipping by hand and with power tools, and pruning is offered, along with step-by-step illustrations to assist in the creation of a single amusing critter or a complex topiary display involving rigorously trained evergreens articulating an abstract motif. The variety and intriguing beauty of topiary are certain to rouse even the most hesitant gardener to consider a fresh approach to shaping plants. --Alice Joyce Copyright 2006 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
