11.05.2008

Zarcero's Zany Topiary



Though they haven't always been the focus of my travels, I've seen a fair number of interesting gardens and inspiring natural places in the US and abroad. Seems as if it might be fun to share some of them. In that spirit, let's go to the fantastical topiaries of Zarcero, Costa Rica. This pretty little mile-high mountain town, a couple hour's drive from San Jose, is best known for its main square, the Parque Francisco Alvarado, where Evangelisto Blanco wields what must be some of the most well-worn pruning shears on the planet. He has spent decades coaxing all kinds of Dr. Seussical fantasies from the cypress trees that adorn the square in front of the Iglesia San Rafael.


Tireless Evangelisto singlehandedly sculpted everything from dancing people and animals to dinosaurs to a dramatic arched promenade.

9 comments:

inadvertent farmer said...

That is just too cool! LOVE those!

Steve Silk said...

Thanks IF, the place is a hoot. If you're ever in the are it's worth a visit. The little town is charming too, set amid lots of dairy farms, cattle ranches and organic farms.

Gail said...

I have seen plenty of BAD topiary, but this is delightful. Thanks for sharing your visit. Gail

Steve Silk said...

Hi Gail--there's some bad topiary here too, but what little of it there is gets trumped by the playful exuberance of the whole scene. Evangelisto is having a lot of fun here.

TYRA Hallsénius Lindhe said...

Cool, I love topiary, thank you for showing these fantastic pictures especially the last one / Tyra

greenman said...

Great images. This garden looks like from a fairytale.

It would not thrive here in Portugal as the climat is too dry!

Steve Silk said...

Hi Tyra--Thank you.I like the last one too, shows best how very playful this topiaryist's art.

Steve Silk said...

Hello Greenman-These cypresses thrive in the cool moist air of mountain Costa Rica, though they do certainly have a dry(or at least drier)season there. Nothing like Portugal though.

Hort Log said...

This is a fantastic garden, thanks !