9 Spectacular Topiaries in Florida and What Inspired Them

Author:
Peggy Woods
Updated:
Jul 23, 2024

En Plein Air Topiary at Cypress Gardens
Peggy Woods

Artistic Topiaries

Displayed here will be nine different outdoor topiaries that were photographed in the State of Florida on various vacation trips enjoyed many years ago.

Those vacation trips were at different times of the year and were taken in two different locations.

I enjoyed getting to see the magnificent Cypress Gardens with my mother one year while we were on our way to visit an aunt and uncle of mine who used to live in Florida for a good part of every year.

The first five topiaries displayed here were in Cypress Gardens and the last four were taken at Walt Disney World.

En Plein Air Topiary

There were numerous imaginative and beautiful topiaries that my mother and I got to view when we visited the most spectacular Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven, Florida, many years ago.

For those who missed seeing Cypress Gardens as it was, the location is now a Legoland. The grounds Cypress Gardens grounds were magnificent!

As we walked one of the paths adjacent to the water, we discovered this hoop-skirted lady topiary. She was painting outdoors, which is the meaning of the French term: en plain air. The painting reflected what a real hoop-skirted lady might be painting, that of the natural scenery in front of her.

Painting outside on location where one can appreciate the natural light became very popular with many famous artists such as Degas, Claude Monet, August Renoir and Winslow Homer just to mention a few.

Those and other artists most often painted the everyday scenery whether it was fields with haystacks, boating scenes or people doing the mundane chores or celebrations of life.

There are numerous organizations of artists which still advocate that type of open air painting even today. Have you ever created any en plein air artwork?

Bird and Basket Topiaries found at Cypress Gardens
https://hubpages.com/@peggy-w

A topiary of a bird (cardinal?) feeding its young at Cypress Gardens, near Winter Haven, Florida. A framework provides the foundation. It is filled with peat moss. Flowers are grown in the peat moss.
Roger W from Sarasota, Florida, U.S.A., CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Cypress Gardens Topiaries

The bird and basket and cardinal topiary above as well as the horse drawn carriage with driver topiaries below were also viewed in Cypress Gardens.

I purposely disguised the two little girl's faces who were seated in the carriage. They were both darling little girls and appeared to be sisters.

Horse Drawn Carriage Topiary photographed at Cypress Gardens
https://hubpages.com/@peggy-w

Circus Trainer with Dancing Bear Topiary at Cypress Gardens

Most of you know that topiaries are plants that are clipped and maintained to resemble certain designs and appearances. It takes lots of work to keep them in shape! They may be free form designs or ones made to look like people, animals or other recognizable configurations.

This duo of what was probably supposed to be a circus trainer and his dancing bear was at Cypress Gardens many years ago when my mother and I visited that fabulous site in Winter Haven, Florida.

I could have edited and cut out the people in the photo but purposely left them so that viewers could appreciate the size of these topiaries.

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Dancing bear topiary with trainer at Cypress Gardens
https://hubpages.com/@peggy-w

Swan Topiary at Walt Disney World and Hans Christian Andersen

Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida is a wondrous place because of all of the fabulous rides, restaurants and entertainment. It also has beautifully landscaped grounds which include a variety of plants including those trained into various topiary guises.

Whether one is interested in gardening or not this swan topiary and others sprinkled amidst the vast grounds is a delight to the eye.

Hans Christian Andersen in the year 1843 wrote the tale of a homely bird which was tormented by his fellow barnyard buddies for his appearance. Anyone familiar with the story of The Ugly Duckling knows that this harrowed bird turns out in the end to be a most beautiful swan.

Walt Disney took that fairy tale and created an animated black and white cartoon in 1931. That story was then made into Technicolor by 1939 winning that years Academy Award for the category of best short subject.

Swan topiary at Walt Disney World
https://hubpages.com/@peggy-w

FAQs About Swans

Did you know that swans typically mate for life? Their youngsters are called cygnets and usually number from 3 to 8 in what is called a clutch. They are among the largest of birds that fly, and when in flight, they are called a wedge. On the ground, a group of swans is called a bevy. Now, don’t you feel a bit smarter today?

The Life of Swans (with gorgeous photography & music)

Mary Poppins Topiary

This creation of Mary Poppins is another one of the fabulous topiaries that we viewed on the wonderfully landscaped grounds located at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

Anyone who has seen the 1964 movie of Mary Poppins starring Julie Andrews (who won an Academy Award for her performance as best actress) would immediately recognize this carefully clipped topiary of the nanny holding her umbrella and suitcase.

The fanciful tale was first told in a series of 8 books written by P. L. Travers. The Banks family needed a replacement nanny for their children. Mary Poppins is transported by a forceful wind to their very house at just the right moment in time and is hired.

She carefully tended the children and magically changed all of their lives until she felt as though she was no longer needed and another family needed her more. At that point she flew off into the wind using her umbrella above her catching the wind and guiding her to her next assignment.

Naturally there are many other cute elements to this story. Dick Van Dyke plays her friend Bert and the song “Chim Chim Cher-ee” is catchy and once heard is not easy to forget.

Mary Poppins topiary at WDW
https://hubpages.com/@peggy-w

Snow White and Seven Dwarfs Topiary

The cute fable of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is memorialized in a series of clever topiaries at Walt Disney World in central Florida. I took this photo many years ago when my mother, niece and I spent five days there taking in as many of the sites as we could in that allotted time.

Did you know that the animated film produced by Walt Disney Productions in 1937 was actually based upon a German fairy tale? It is true! It was created by the Brothers Grimm.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs topiary at Walt Disney World
https://hubpages.com/@peggy-w

Anyone who has ever seen that cute film with the beautiful Snow White is not likely to forget it.

There is the evil and jealous stepmother, the woodland creatures, the seven dwarfs and the kiss by a prince which awakens Snow White from a perpetual sleep after she bit into a poisoned apple.

That is quite a memorable tale!

The distinctive dwarf personalities perfectly suited their names which are the following: Happy, Sleepy, Bashful, Dopey, Sneezy, Grumpy, and Doc.

Some days I can relate to some of those characteristics. How about you? Ha!

Topiaries in Florida

There were many more topiaries at both locations than the eight featured here but this gives you some idea of the marvelous creations and work executed by the landscape ground workers at both places in Florida.

Do you enjoy seeing topiaries in your part of the world? Perhaps you even have some in your own garden?

I'll be looking forward to your comments!

Walt Disney World Sea Serpent topiary
https://hubpages.com/@peggy-w

Locations in Florida where these photos of topiaries were taken.

Sources

Topiary

Hans Christian Anderson

Mary Poppins

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

En Plein Air

About Swans

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

Comments are welcomed.

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on October 22, 2018:

Hi Patty,

I will definitely look forward to seeing it and reading about that fantastic sounding topiary in your area.

Patty Inglish MS from USA and Asgardia, the First Space Nation on October 22, 2018:

Thanks, Peggy - I think I will take a few new pictures and write it up. good idea.

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on October 22, 2018:

Hi Patty,

That topiary in downtown Columbus must be amazing to view! I would love to see that one! Maintaining it has to be quite a job! You should write about it and that park.

Patty Inglish MS from USA and Asgardia, the First Space Nation on October 22, 2018:

A fascinating article with great pictures and videos this is! I love the sea serpent and want to visit all the topiaries you mention.

We have only one topiary in Downtown Columbus OH that I know of - the complete painting of Sunday on the Island of Le Grand Jatte by George Seurat. The people who maintain it must be artistic geniuses! I can sit for hours enjoying it before walking through the rest of the Old Deaf School Park.

Topiaries are uplifting.

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on October 22, 2018:

Hi Patricia,

I have never tried to create a topiary either. I just admire them when I see them. Thanks for the good wishes and the same is wished for you.

Patricia Scott from North Central Florida on October 22, 2018:

I had to come back.These magnificent sculptures amaze me every time I see one. I have never tried to create one..not sure I will dare. Hoping all is good with you and yours. Angels are on the way. ps

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on October 21, 2018:

Hi Rajan,

Topiaries can be so amazing to view. One of my favorites is at the top of this post simply because of the setting although the others are certainly engaging. I agree that they take constant maintenance to keep their intended shapes in good form.

Rajan Singh Jolly from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on October 21, 2018:

Beautiful topiaries and it is very difficult to choose a favorite. There is a lot of hard work required to maintain them in their original shape Thanks for sharing this hub with some lovely photos.

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on September 09, 2018:

Hi Nithya,

I agree with you that topiaries must be regularly trimmed and maintained to keep their desired shapes. I also like that dancing bear among others. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.

Nithya Venkat from Dubai on September 09, 2018:

The photos of each topiary is so beautiful. I love the Dancing Bear topiary and the Mary Poppins topiary. Topiaries are beautiful to look at but tough to prune and maintain. Enjoyed reading this article, thank you for sharing,

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on November 15, 2017:

Hi Patricia,

It is amazing what can be created in topiary form. They must be meticulously maintained in order to keep their shape. Those gardeners at Walt Disney World surely are good. It is lovely there. Thanks for your comment.

Patricia Scott from North Central Florida on November 15, 2017:

Been here before but simply am always in awe of the skill it takes to craft these creations. One of my favorite parts of Disney is the topiaries on display.

Take care of you and yours.

Angels headed your way ps

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on November 11, 2017:

Hi Roberta,

You must have a library of jokes. I am enjoying them as you leave comments on my posts. :) Yes I am gradually updating my posts to have all of the images full sized. I still have a way to go to accomplish that. Nice that you noticed the difference.

RTalloni on November 10, 2017:

Enjoyed seeing this again. I believe you've updated it? Nicely done with a lighthearted touch. :) Now I have to remind you of the old joke...Sometimes I wake up Grumpy, sometimes I let him sleep...sometimes I wake up Sleepy but that only makes me Dopey...sometimes I wake up Sneezy but then I have to wake up Doc...sometimes I wake up Bashful then nobody else gets woke and then I'm really Happy. :)

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on March 03, 2016:

Hello peachpurple,

Those topiaries are certainly eye-catching! I agree.

peachy from Home Sweet Home on March 02, 2016:

wow those garden landscapes are so beautiful and unique

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on May 03, 2015:

Hi Suzanne,

That horse and carriage topiary is indeed special. I am sure that it must have taken a while to not only dream up but also create to have its full effect as seen in the photo. Thanks for the share.

Suzanne Day from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia on May 03, 2015:

Great topiaries and I love the horse and carriage one - wonder how long it took for someone to trim it up as a sculpture like that? Voted awesome and shared ;)

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on May 03, 2015:

Hello Akriti Mattu,

I will take it from that response that you enjoyed seeing these topiaries. :)

Akriti Mattu from Shimla, India on May 02, 2015:

Just wow.

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on April 30, 2015:

Hi Suzie,

Both of those topiaries were fun to see as well as the others. I would also have to debate as to picking a favorite one. Glad you enjoyed reading this hub and seeing the photos.

Suzanne Ridgeway from Dublin, Ireland on April 30, 2015:

Absolutely gorgeous photos Peggy. Love seeing all them and learning some info along the way. Hard to pick a favorite and was tied between snow white and the swan. Thanks for a magical trip around topiary in Florida, so artistic.

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on April 28, 2015:

Hi Vellur,

The topiaries were fun to see in person. Glad to know that you enjoyed the photos as well as reading this hub.

Nithya Venkat from Dubai on April 28, 2015:

So beautiful! Amazing, you and your mother must have really enjoyed seeing these topiaries, thank you for sharing. Great photographs, enjoyed reading.

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on April 01, 2015:

Hi georgescifo,

Yes, maintaining topiaries takes constant dedication and effort after they are first created. Glad you liked the photos.

georgescifo from India on March 31, 2015:

Really amazing topiaries and the originality of these are something that catches the attention of everyone. This is an art that is indeed difficult to create and at the same time maintain for a longer period. Thanks for sharing these snaps from Florida.

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on March 15, 2015:

Hi Peg,

There are quite a few topiaries in yards of private residences around the Houston area. It is fun seeing them when they are kept in good shape.

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on March 13, 2015:

Hello faythef,

Hope you get that chance to see them someday...or others that may have taken their place.

Peg Cole from North Dallas, Texas on March 13, 2015:

Amazing sculptures and captivating subjects. I love topiaries and always enjoy the art when visiting the theme parks. What a great job that would be to create and maintain these beautiful live works of art.

Faythe Payne from USA on March 13, 2015:

WoW..Beautiful..I would love to see some of these.

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on March 12, 2015:

Hi Roberta,

Nice that you could revisit your "old stomping grounds" via this hub. :)

RTalloni on March 12, 2015:

Thanks for this revisit to my old stomping grounds… WDW gardeners have always done an amazing job with the topiaries but Cypress Gardens was first! :)

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on March 12, 2015:

Hi Susie (colorfulone),

So glad you liked the subject matter of topiaries that I got to photograph in Florida. Appreciate the vote up and the shares.

Susie Lehto from Minnesota on March 11, 2015:

These are beautiful topiaries, and they sure do make an interesting subject for a beautiful hub, Peg. Pinned to rijalyn/united-states-of-america, tweeted and voted up!

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on February 24, 2015:

Hi Patricia,

Nice that you have those memories of visiting Cypress Gardens with your parents and that still today you enjoy the topiaries at WDW. Thanks for the blessings of angels. We can all use their guidance and protection.

Patricia Scott from North Central Florida on February 24, 2015:

O as a young girl I visited Cypress Gardens with my parents on many occasions as my Momma was such a lover of the beauties everywhere. The topiaries were always a favorite. And at WDW I am enthralled by them each time I visit....

Thank you for sharing, Peggy.

Hoping you can feel the Angels bringing you blessings and hugs today ps

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on February 23, 2015:

Hi Thomasjames1992,

Nice that you get to visit Florida frequently. The weather and the people are nice...I agree!

Thomas James from London on February 23, 2015:

Hey Peggy W

Yep i visit Florida a lot actually love the weather and people

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on February 23, 2015:

Hi Kristen,

So glad you liked these photos of the topiaries. :)

Kristen Howe from Northeast Ohio on February 23, 2015:

Just beautiful photographs, Peggy. Thanks for sharing. Great hub, voted up!

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on February 22, 2015:

Hi Celebrates,

It is hard to choose just one favorite from among the topiaries presented. I was just curious to see the results.

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on February 22, 2015:

Hi Blackspaniel1,

Topiaries would take much care and attention to keep them in tip top shape. When not kept trimmed, they can become rather unsightly so that is undoubtedly the reason that they are not seen more frequently.

Celebrates on February 21, 2015:

I can't decide which one I like most, the sea serpent, horse drawn carriage or the woman painting. The Mary Poppin's one is great too.

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on February 21, 2015:

Hello emmaouthworth,

Florida is an amazing state with so much to offer its residents as well as visitors to that "Sunshine State."

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on February 21, 2015:

Hi Audrey,

So glad you liked these topiaries that I photographed in Florida. The Mickey Mouse topiary you remember from Disneyland must have been a good one! Thanks for your most complimentary comment and your shares. :)

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on February 21, 2015:

Hi Mary,

Those beautiful hoop skirted dresses worn in Cypress Gardens were so pretty. Nice that you got to experience that with your girls. Your vets office with the topiaries sounds nice. Perhaps you could showcase them in a hub? Appreciate your comment + the share.

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on February 21, 2015:

Hi Thomasjames1992,

Have you gotten to visit Florida often? I see you live in London. In any case glad you liked this hub about some of the topiaries found there.

Blackspaniel1 on February 20, 2015:

These appear to take much talent. I have seen some around Disney, but they certainly are not plentiful.

Emma Southworth from Manchester on February 20, 2015:

Florida looks Awesome!!

Audrey Hunt from Pahrump NV on February 20, 2015:

Magnificent, Peggy! Thanks for this personal tour of such beautiful and glorious topiaries. The child in me voted for snow white and the seven dwarfs. I'll never forget the Mickey Mouse topiary at Disneyland, California. You continue to present amazing, unique hubs, true-to-life photos and super information.

Voted up and across (not funny) and will do plenty of sharing. Thanks Peggy.

Audrey

Mary Hyatt from Florida on February 20, 2015:

My hubby and I used to take our children to Cypress Gardens; it was so beautiful. I have treasured photos of my girls dressed up in those beautiful gowns they furnished little girls to wear for photos.

My local Veterinarian has two topiaries outside his office: one is a large cat, and the other a large dog.

Loved the visit down memory lane. Voted UP, etc. and shared.

Thomas James from London on February 20, 2015:

Great hub peggy! Love Florida

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on February 20, 2015:

Hi Ghaelach,

I have seen Lake Constance but did not visit that island with all the topiaries. Sounds beautiful! Glad you learned the name of these beautifully shaped shrubs by reading this hub. I learn something new everyday! :)

Peggy Woods (author) from Houston, Texas on February 20, 2015:

Hi poetryman6969,

Yes, for those who loved the grandeur of Cypress Gardens, Legoland completely changes the atmosphere. Kids who grew up playing with legos probably love the new park.