I think the first time I saw topiary in real life my little mind was blown. To me, it was only something I had seen in photographs of grand palaces, cartoons and, most memorably, in “Edward Scissorshands,” which I had been allowed to watch when I was far too young and had deeply imprinted on my brain, as a result. Then, while visiting a country house on an estate near my family home, I saw magical plants shaped like all sorts of animals. It was mind-boggling that such a thing was real.
All of this may be why, to this day, I have such a soft spot for topiary and, when I discovered the topiary art that dotted the Tuscan city of Pistoia, it endeared the lovely place to me even further.
All of this may be why, to this day, I have such a soft spot for topiary and, when I discovered the topiary art that dotted the Tuscan city of Pistoia, it endeared the lovely place to me even further.
The area is already known for its lovely setting and mountains and wonderful traditional cuisine, as is much of Tuscany. However, its tradition in topiary art is another, particular, string to its bow. You will see cars, dinosaurs, giraffes and all sorts of other shapes and objects that have been carefully sculpted from shrubs through pruning, shaping and growing the plants using a wireframe structure to guide the shape it forms.
There are various places to see wonderful examples of this special art form including various nurseries around the area, the local zoo and also dotted randomly around the city so, if you find a vacation rental in Pistoia, be sure to keep your eyes peeled at all times so you don't miss them!
There are various places to see wonderful examples of this special art form including various nurseries around the area, the local zoo and also dotted randomly around the city so, if you find a vacation rental in Pistoia, be sure to keep your eyes peeled at all times so you don't miss them!
