As an avid gardener I am one of the many who loves the look of topiaries from a distance. That’s because most of us don’t have the time or the inclination to create a topiary in our own garden unless we have a staff of gardeners. That being said topiary design can be an abstract, a geometric or a realistic shape. I for one am drawn to fun animal shapes. Animal shaped topiaries run the gamut of domestic to exotic, land based to air or water based but one thing any animal shaped topiary has is a sense of whimsy and fun.
Some of the best places to see a topiary in fun animal shapes is a botanical garden and the photo above is a gorgeous example located in Montreal, Canada at the 2013 International Mosaiculture Exhibition. My Virtual Garden
Topiary Cats and Dogs
Small topiaries can be managed in a small garden and with the help of topiary cages, the overall shape is predetermined making the least artistic person able to create a fun animal shaped topiary. There is even dog breed topiary cages available allowing you to bring to green life the dog breed of your own choosing, such as this Scottie perched in a planter at Black Barn Farm.
This cute kitty topiary has been embellished with a pair of golden eyes to really bring it to life. I’m guessing it’s a tabby by the variety of leaf shapes and colors. Source
This feline creation doesn’t sport a pair of golden eyes but has instead a set of purr-fectly groomed whiskers. Progressive Charlestown
While most topiary design is created using tight leaved box or small plants such as sedums, this shaggy dog sports a coat of long haired grass that makes him look uber realistic.
While topiary design is usually created to make a singular statement, in this case the topiary pooch is part of an overall story. You just know this boxwood canine has sniffed out the hiding place of a small critter. Black Barn Farm
Farm Animals captured in Topiary Design
Did you know that rabbit topiary is a popular in Europe? This cute bunny sits in a pot as though it is peering over the box hedge that frames a bed of beautiful flowers, or in the case of the rabbit, yummy tasting bunny food. Multivasos
Nothing says farm more than horses and cattle and when they are free to wander and mingle together like these topiaries you know the farm animals are happy. This topiary vignette is located at a nursery in Houston, Texas.
Goats are such fun creatures. Smart and mischievous they are known for their antics. I had a goat jump into my Suburban once, I don’t think this goat could do that. My Virtual Garden
I knew some pigs could get big but I don’t think they can get this big! I love the casual layout of this topiary vignette, it seems so peaceful. Angry Boar
This is such a tiny garden area but the homeowners still managed to make a big statement with this adorable rabbit. Don’t you just love his floppy ears?
Birds of a Feather Topiary Together
Chickens are now allowed in many cities, including mine but if your city does no allow them, you can always have a chicken topiary or two. Source
These stunning crane topiaries would look so cool next to a small pond, especially one with gold fish in it.
To create a boxwood topiary it is best to start in the early summer or late spring and if you like the look of these birds, there are some instructions here.
There is something magical about an owl up high in a tree looking down at you and even though this topiary owl isn’t perched near the top of a tree, it is still pretty magical. Animal Topiaries
When I say these penguins are pretty cool, I am not referring to their habitat, I am referring to their topiary design. Gorgeous Chinese Topiary Gardens
Fish Topiary to Swim Through a Garden
I love fish art incorporated into gardens so it stands to reason that I love this fish topiary, and I do! Mail Online
Reptile Topiary Design
All lily ponds need a frog right? This lily pond has a really big frog keeping its eyes open for a flying wiggly jiggly to land on the lily’s leaves. My Virtual Garden
Small topiary design looks fantastic when created with sedums as this turtle clearly showcases. This is a DIY topiary created with an upside down wire flower basket and chicken wire. The Whoot
Just like the turtle this lizard topiary is made with succulents – 100s of Echeveria Imbricata to be exact. To keep it well drained it has been placed on a berm that follows its curvy body. I love this! State by State Gardening
At first glance this iguana topiary seems to be defying gravity but on second glance the tail on the ground gives away its not so precarious perch. Relaks Minda
Wild Animals make Wild Topiaries
Bears might be wild but they seem to be showing up in a lot of backyards – and I don’t mean like this topiary, I mean real bears. Angry Boar
Bison are big animals and I think the only ones I would like to see up close are the ones made from plants, like the above photo. Garden Design
Exotic Animals for Exotic Topiary Design
How cute is this mini boxwood elephant? It even has its own patch of moss with a topiary ball to play with. Black Barn Farm
Someone had a sense of humor. This 10 foot topiary giraffe was located in Boughton Lees, Kent, England. Sadly vandals decapitated it. The Telegraph
Not all topiary elephants are miniature, these ones are life sized and just like the grouping of pigs above, these elephant topiaries look so natural in their poses. Angry Boar
Hah! Ring Tailed Lemur topiaries – how awesome. Tails held high, eyes big and round they are definitely guarding the ground they reside in. Did you know the Ring Tailed Lemur is the most intelligent of all the Lemur species? What a great topiary to end with. Outdoor Areas