Filling in a couple of blank dates in June. This was actually taken on 7/13 in front of the Target store in Olathe. I detest this type of clipping on bushes. There was something so...weirdly 50's/60's mid-century modern(?) about the way this row looked against the wall and with the mulch that I had to take some photos. I've applied some processing to further bring out that element. Please ignore the white piece of litter directly in the middle. Once you see it, you're eye will be drawn to it again and again.
These forms are called topiaries, and the practice of forming evergreens into ornamental shapes dates back to Roman times. Usually they are more elaborate such as elephants, giraffes etc.
@sophiaz Thanks, Sophia. Yes, now that I think of it, I have seen pictures of very elaborate topiary gardens. That's kind of cool; I wouldn't mind seeing some of that in person some day. But the common modern practice of either giving a poor bush (not even a hedge, just a bush) a buzzed off flat top or a perfectly rounded shape outside the context of the artistry you're talking about still just puts me off. Bleh! I prefer them with their more natural shapes.
