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Topiary Garden
Rating Details »
Neighborhood: Discovery District
480 E Town St
in Old Deaf School Park
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 645-0197
480 E Town St
in Old Deaf School Park
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 645-0197
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
6 reviews for Topiary Garden
I love this in every way possible. The idea is spectacular. The ability to step in to a Seurat of plants and leaves is perfection. As an art history geek, this place is fascinating to walk around. The ability to experience depth from the inside is a rare thing indeed.
This is one of the most inspirational places possible. It's very convenient that it's right behind the Metropolitan Library because there's nothing better than a book in a well tended park on a warm day. Very peaceful.
I was invited to speak about a book I wrote on Columbus and someone asked what was the most unique thing I discovered about the city. I answered- the Topiary Garden- but I didn't come across it during recent research... I accidentally stumbled into the park grounds 12 years ago after leaving the Columbus Metropolitan Library (behind which it sits).
The garden is inspired by the post-Impressionaist painter, Georges Seurat's painting titled "A Sunday On The Island Of La Grande Jatte." It was conceived in 1989 by the local artist, James T. Mason who teaches sculpture at the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department's Cultural Arts Center. The topiaries include 54 human figures, eight boats, three dogs, a monkey, a cat and a real pond with topiary boats.
As an art historian, I immediately recognized the whimsical monkey figure, which back then was still little more than wire framing waiting to be filled in. I was instantly hooked and have watched the figures blossom into full-grown topiaries over the years.
The Topiary Garden is not only unique to Columbus, but unique to the world. As far as we know, this is the only landscape painting translated directly into the literal landscape. Topiary is an art form, that when pulled off correctly, can be mesmerizing and playful.... and this place is definitely both (especially during summer).
Access to the park is free and the small museum tour is open select hours a few days a week from April through December. The garden is also home to free weekday concerts as part of the city's' Music in the Air series in July and August.
People thought this was:
- Useful (4)
- Cool (2)
I dragged the boyfriend out here on a hot summer afternoon after reading about it on yelp. Somehow the execution was a little less spectacular than what I had expected. It's an interesting concept, but some of the shrubbery seemed like it wasn't quite cooperating, and strayed outside the lines of the wireframes. The park was nice enough, but there were several people just loitering around and smoking, surrounded by backpacks and worn suitcases, which made me feel a bit uneasy.
I've wanted to see the Seurat-inspired topiary garden at the Blind and Deaf School ever since I moved to Columbus, but when I had time to spare, it never seemed to cross my mind. So, last Saturday, though it was cold and windy, I made a point of going.
I have to admit that I was expecting something a little more spectacular. The forms were all there in larger-than-life size. Maybe it was because we're approaching winter, but the wires were showing in most all of the sculptures. The shrubbery people holding umbrellas were the most interesting, though they could have definitely used a little more green. Also, the shapes were more bulbous that I had in mind. I'd like to see them again in the summer when I assume they're being better maintained.
I still enjoyed the experience, especially the pond. The pond is really more of a giant puddle, about ankle deep. The topiary sculptures carry over into the water where giant, colorful fish swim below the surface. There's a small fountain that shoots a sprig of water on one side, and there are tiny lilies that collect in groups here and there. I can see myself sitting nearby and reading on a summer day.
Even if the topiary park didn't have the topiary garden, it would still be a nice place to go to relax. The entire expanse is held in by a waist high, black, wrought iron fence. There are small dips and hills in the terrain. There's plenty of room to run. I'm unsure whether dogs are permitted, but, if so, this would be an ideal spot.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
There are some nice topiary sculptures modeled on a famous Seurat impressionist painting. It's a very pleasant and relaxing place.
The Topiary Garden is a unique place to visit in Columbus, basically a small park with shrubs trimmed into different shapes. The highlight is a re-creation of Seurat's famous painting with the really long name, you know the one? Yeah. They have that.
It's a pretty place to walk around if the weather is nice, and maybe sit and have a snack or something. There is a store on site, but I have never been in.
People thought this was:
- Cool (2)
