Myrtle and boxwood topiaries inside our fireplace at our home. Julie Paulino Design
Last week I had a photoshoot at our house for a local publication. I wanted to photograph the area around our fireplace, but alas, it’s summer so turning on the fire was out of the question. After a couple of days brainstorming about how to make a black hole, a big one, in this case, look good enough for a photoshoot, a lightbulb went on, and a picture of myrtle potted topiaries and boxwood topiaries inside the fireplace came spinning into my head. The result was more than satisfying, transforming an empty rather cold space into a warm and charming one. Myrtle topiaries can add that understated elegance to any area adding that soothing character to a home or garden.
Initially, I thought of using a few flower arrangements, but they would have gotten lost or distracted the entire ensemble. I was lucky to find what I was looking for, two tall double topiaries and two small rounded boxwoods to create different heights. The two double balls are Myrtle topiaries that can live inside and hopefully last year round if we take good care of them. The smaller rounded boxwoods are evergreen that later on, we’ll transplant outside. The dense evergreen leaves are meant to withstand cold weather, and they are a favorite for shaping into different shapes of topiaries since ancient times. Below, a few options of potted topiaries to bring a bit of garden inside your home.
If you prefer to have aromatic kinds of topiaries, you can opt for rosemary or thyme instead and prepare to be delighted every time you pass by one. Bunny Mellon, the very private garden designer, was well known for using potted Myrtle topiaries inside her homes as well as in her gardens. Bunny had her mature oak trees at her Virginia farm pruned into giant green clouds. Isn’t that chic?
Preserved boxwood topiaries are real plants, but they last longer than regular ones because they are treated to retain their glossy, deep green color and soft texture. Of course, live potted topiaries need lots of light and boxwoods do best in the outside weather, so I only put mine inside the fireplace for the photoshoot. Afterward, I put the pair of double balls in front of the fireplace instead. Although not recommended to do this permanently, it’s something that can be done for parties, dinners and any entertaining as a decorating touch.
Preserved and Live Potted Topiaries
Top row, left to right, Preserve Lemon Cypress Topiaries would look great in the Winter. Preserved Boxwood Topiaries that would look beautiful year round. Bottom row, Live Boxwood, Bunny Williams Preserved Cypress Topiaries ideal for Christmas decoration.
Artificial Potted Topiaries
Clockwise from top left, 1, 2, 3, 4
