Conservatory topiary animals, a day in the life of Edward Scissorhands

By Kate Liebers

Long ago, animals lived at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Now, for the first time in about 90 years, animals again reside within the gardens – this time in topiary form.

This new exhibit, “Topiaries at the Conservatory: Wild Wonders,” combines the horticultural world with the animal kingdom. Instead of grooming perennial shrubs or trees, the Conservatory’s topiaries utilize plant material that would best represent the animal’s fur, feathers or scales. At the main entrance, visitors are greeted by flamingoes made of pink begonias. In the Bonsai Courtyard, a lion donning a coat of yellow flowers gazes past the koi pond. In the Himalayan Mountain biome, a red panda, composed of dyed moss and succulents, peeks through the foliage.

There are 14 animals to be discovered throughout the Conservatory: a giraffe, gazelle, gorilla, sea turtle, butterfly, red panda, lion, three flamingoes, three elephants, and a peacock. Most of the animals represent endangered species, and signage at each topiary aims to raise awareness about their conservation.

The Conservatory plans to reimagine the topiary experience in years to come. The inaugural “Wild Wonders” is open now through Oct. 29.

Click here for ticket info and operation hours.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY