Just lurking and saw this! WOW! I love that, what a labor of love. Amazing job for sure. I want to some day make some topiary chickens and rooster for in front of me chicken coop.

Thank you mom. The hardest wasn't the handle, it was the spout. To get that tweaked just right and snipping off just the tiniest bit of leaf for the kink near the "mouth" and bottom of the spout took alot of thought. Because in topiary you have to imagine the future so to speak.

Oh! You're not going to believe this, but at one point this teapot WAS a chicken! At a particular stage it looked like a setting hen, and I decided that's the best I'll do cause a teapot will take too long. Well, it eventually evolved. But, a good friend came to the garden one day and I asked her to guess what this topiary is suppose to be? She said, "Chicken". Ugh. But I snipped here and snipped there and continued my quest for "high tea".

This Spring at a local garden center, they had a medium size wire basket sculpture that I think was a planter. It was a teacup! I told my mom that I should buy that and create an ivy topiary or some such with it and place it near my teapot. ha I didn't buy it tho. Instead, my mind got to buzzing with the idea to try a very small boxwood shrub and start a cup. Still might.

I love it!!

that is just *awesome*!!! i want one -- but i want instant gratificatin (i don't have your patience) ;-)

j.

Thanks. You know, when we gardeners say "years" we really mean "seasons". So, I suppose you could say that this teapot took me, say, four seasons (months) times six years = 24 months. Now that doesn't sound awfully long when you put it that way does it? So, buy a globe shaped boxwood (I use boxwood cause I find it grows quicker and is easier to shape) and cut the basic shape now. By next Spring, new growth will begin and then you can start trimming bits away. Sometimes you have to be brave and really give it a good cut here and there. Keep your eyes on the prize!

To Aulani from veggie forum: see my first post. Glad you took a look and thanks for the compliment. I would post in the topiary forum, but it's pretty quiet there.

I clip whenever I see new growth that interferes with the design, i.e. a sprig growing an inch or more on the tip of the spout, lid, ect. It's much easier if you keep vigilant then the trimming is not a chore. I have two other topiaries and I will try to post pics here on this forum.

What an amazing shrub you've created. I'd love to be so talented. I can't imagine trying to start something like this but if you keep creating and sharing, I might have to try one. I enjoy my yard and wish I had more time to spend in it. Keep up the inspiring photos.

very cool! I admire your persistence in making it happen, it really requires dedication.

Wonderful teapot. Your patience certainly paid off.

I agree it takes dedication to make this happen, you really have created a very beautiful work of art for your garden.
Annette

Oh my gosh that is fantastic schoolhouse! You have a Tea Garden! It is like Alice in Wonderland with the tea pots! I adore it!
I mostly just go the the Cottage Garden forum, but I am glad I wandered over here today! Thank you so much for posting.
CMK

I WANT ONE!

That is just special! I collect real teapots.

Nancy

Hi. I just noticed your teapot topiary. I really like it!

Absolutely amazing!!!!! I am in love with this. What a talent Schoolhouse! Great job.