This document provides an overview of topiary, including definitions, history, plant characteristics, creation, and maintenance. Topiary is the art of clipping plants such as trees and shrubs into decorative shapes. It was popular in ancient Rome and 17th century England. Plants used for topiary must tolerate pruning and have small, evergreen foliage. Creation involves wiring an outline and training branches to fit while pruning, and maintenance requires regular clipping to preserve the desired shape.