Myrtle Topiaries - the New Hermes Blanket?

So we all know that Hermes blankets are expensive, right? I mean, what's not expensive from Hermes? They've managed to stay trendy, used as props in photoshoots of interiors for decades. It's a status symbol, and they've marketed themselves well. You'll never find a sale at Hermes, if you want it - you'll pay full price for it, and you'll probably end up regretting it later. I did. Luckily, if you're in the market for one - or you wanna part with yours, there are high-end consignments shops online, like The Real Real that do a great job of selling them quickly.

But I've started to notice that fewer and fewer high end designers are using this blanket as a go-to for decorating. I mean, who hasn't used them? 

Mark D. Sikes

Suzanne Kasler

Mary McDonald

Ellen DeGeneres

You're getting the point right? All published rooms - all by the big name magazines. But now, you're seeing less and less of this, and more and more of an even more costly and luxurious item ... 

Tory Burch

Myrtle topiaries are back in vogue. Designers like Martha Stewart and Loi Thai would likely argue that they've never fallen out of style - but geez have they made a come back, stealing the spotlight from the now passe plantcessory, the Fiddle Fig.  

The king of myrtle might as well be DC shop owner and interior designer, Loi Thai. He writes a blog called Tone on Tone (also the name of his beautiful shop) that shows off his neutral designs that incorporate painted Swedish antiques and one of a kind pieces. 

Now I know what you're thinking - there's no way that a topiary costs more than that Hermes blanket. And you're right. They don't, but they aren't cheap - and you're not seeing just one lonely myrtle in these pictures, either. 

Snug Harbor Farm is mentioned over and over by bloggers and magazines as the "Dealer" for these topiary plants. They're located in Maine, but they do ship their topiaries to anywhere in the country.

At Snug Harbor, plants are sold in 3 different sizes, the smallest is 12" tall and costs $90, the medium, 18" tall for $100, and the large for $110, all plus shipping. This of course, is for relatively young plants, all with a tight topiary ball about 4-5". The three you see here would set you back $300 plus shipping. 

So what does something like this cost? 

Steven Gambrel

Instagram

You're looking at $1,000 in plants and pots on this table. And it's pretty, yes. Very pretty. Those triple ball topiaries are nothing short of stunning. But is it even more frivolous to spend $1,000 on plants that may not live, than it is to spend $1,500 on a blanket that will last you forever? 

It's an honest question, with a million different honest answers, I'm sure. But there's no doubt in my mind that you've seen the trend, and that you might be really aching to dig into it but without the expense. You know, in case you kill it. 

You're not alone. And, I found a way for you to test the waters for a lot less than you'd think:

This little topiary comes in a 4" pot (which you'll have to replant in the container of your choice) for $17.99 plus shipping. Yes. Just $17.99 plus shipping. The reviews are wonderful, and in short order, I'll have several myself that I'll be more than happy to give you updates on. $17.99 is about what you'd pay for an orchid at the grocery store, right? So, why not dig in and give it a go? You could be the next Bunny Mellon. 

Oh, and speaking of Bunny Mellon. Vendome Press has published a GORGEOUS book THE GARDENS OF BUNNY MELLON and it is filled with gorgeous photos of brilliant gardens that include, you guessed it, topiary after topiary. Bunny was known for her love of the myrtle topiary, and had become quite famous for her meticulous care of her impressive collection. 

So while you're ordering those topiaries for yourself, order a copy of the book for inspiration. Just a thought.