Fauna Made of Flora
No need to be afraid of the big green dinosaur that guards the front gate of West Hollywood’s the Empty Vase. He’s a leaf eater. In fact, this dinosaur is made of leaves.
The Empty Vase is a florist that specializes in topiaries--large sculptures made from plants.
“I think we are one of the only places that will custom design anything you want,” says Kelley Gray, manager of the Empty Vase.
Each of the creations is made on-site. “We do a lot of animals--rabbits, puppies, deer. The most unusual one we’ve made is a full-sized gorilla. A woman wanted it for her husband, who collects gorillas.”
Making a topiary is fairly simple: An iron frame is welded into the desired shape, then packed with moss and ivy. Topiaries need to be watered so the ivy will grow over the shape.
“They last until someone kills them,” Gray says. “In our climate they can last for a long time. They wouldn’t in cold climates.”
Topiaries can be completed in about a week. Prices start at $79.
The Empty Vase, 9033 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood. (310) 278-1988.
