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ANIMAL
MAGNETISM
Published: April 4, 2004
Section: GRACIOUS LIVING, page F1
Source: MARY REID BARROW, THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
© 2004- Landmark Communications Inc.
ABOUT HALF THE new patients at Konikoff Family Dentistry
in Virginia Beach did not go to the new facility because
they thought the dental care would be good, though they
may well have thought that, too. No, the No. 1 reason patients
came was because they were entranced by the big whimsical
animal topiaries that line the General Booth Boulevard property.
They said they loved Dr. David B. Konikoff's leafy green,
leaping dolphins, cranes with outspread wings, and dainty
seahorses, said front desk receptionist Rebecca Karajewski
. "Probably five out of 10 people say it's because
they drove down here and saw the topiaries," Karajewski
said. "The waterfall is a big one too." She was
speaking of the large rock waterfall overseen by a super
7-foot topiary crane at the entrance to the office parking
lot. The waterfall is just one more imaginative piece in
the landscaping of what easily could have been a routine
looking office building. In fact probably no other office
in Hampton Roads is landscaped with such a parade of unusual
topiary seashore animals to delight motorists as they drive
by.
But the
appearance of the creatures at Konikoff's facility was really
not all that unusual, not if you look inside, too. The topiaries
are just a fanciful extension of the office interior, decorated
in a Disney theme with threedimensional murals, aquariums
and Konikoff himself in a sports shirt embroidered with
Disney characters.
Although
Konikoff would like to also have Disney characters marching
outside along General Booth Boulevard, he said he thought
the cartoon critters would not fit in well with historic
Nimmo United Methodist Church across the road, said Pauline
Heath, general manager of Konikoff's three offices.
"The
topiaries are in keeping with the historical district area
around Nimmo," she explained. At the same time the
living sculptures are eyecatching, appealing and fun to
see. The big topiaries were acquired through Gail Arnold,
who owns Topiaries Home Eclectique in Virginia Beach. Arnold
also is the topiaries' own private gardener.
"I
call myself the beautician," Arnold said. She trims
up the rapidly growing creeping fig vine about every two
weeks in good weather. She puts slow- release fertilizer
in among the vines once a month.
Creeping
fig is unforgiving if it dries out, but Konikoff's big topiaries
have sprinkler systems inside their bodies. The sprinklers
are hooked to the office's underground sprinkler system
and are on a timer set for every 20 minutes.
Creeping
fig is not winter hardy here either. When the temperature
went below freezing this winter, Arnold wrapped the figures
with burlap, but the weather was so cold that some plants
died. However, losing the creeping fig to frost or drought
is not the worst thing that could happen, she added. "What
I tell people is they are purchasing the iron sculpture.
I think they are a work of art."
The iron
animal frames are anchored in the ground with iron stakes.
They are filled with sphagnum moss, wrapped in fishing line
and then planted with creeping fig.
Arnold
plans to experiment this year and replace some of the creeping
fig that died over the winter with other plants such as
hens and chicks and sedum. "The plants can be replaced
at any time to get the topiaries to last for years,"
she said.
Konikoff
knows nothing of caring for topiaries. He is not a gardener.
Animal topiaries came to his mind because they are part
of the landscaping at Disney World.
"I
love going to Disney World," he said, "and I love
the topiaries there."
A topiary dolphins tail, above, leaps off the landscape
surrounding the dental office of Dr. David Konikoff on General
Booth Boulevard in Virginia Beach. Topiaries around the
building include dolphins, right; cranes, below, and sea
horses.
Graphic
HOW TO
CARE FOR TOPIARIES
Although
the topiaries at Konikoff' Family Denistry are creeping
fig, beginner topiary owners might find it easier to care
for an ivy topiary, which is hardy and more forgiving of
watering and temperature. Also available are herbal topiaries.
You can generally find a variety of topiaries at nurseries
, garden centers and shops such as Topiaries Home Eclectique
in Virginia Beach. The following care tips come from Stauffers
of Kissel Hill in Pennsylvania
CARING
FOR IVY:
Water:
Let soil dry slightly between waterings. Ivies do not like
tobe in standing water for a prolonged length of time. Over-wateringis
the most common mistake.
Light
and temperature: Ivy topiaries can be kept in both bright
light or shady locations, but, best if kept in direct sunlight.
One to 3 hours of sun is best for variegated ivies. They
do well in a wide range of temperatures. Ivy topiaries still
can be harmed by cold if the roots freeze, which is more
apt to happen if the ivy isn't in the ground, but it all
depends on how thick the topiary or pot is and where it
is located. In freezing weather you can put it indoors,
into a garage or in a protected spot with mulch. Also watch
for spider mites with ivy if you keep your topiary inside.
Fertilizer: Apply a liquid general houseplant fertilizer
at half rate every other watering when temperatures are
above 50 degrees F.Use 30-10-10 on green ivies. Use 15-30-15
on variegated ivy.
HERBAL: (ROSEMARY, SILVER THYME, ETC.)
Water:
Let soil dry slightly between thorough waterings. Herbal
topiaries also do not like to be in standing water or dry
soil for a prolonged length of time.
Light
and temperature: Herbal topiaries can accept a wide range
of temperatures, but generally thrive best between 65 and
80 degrees F. They will thrive best in direct sunlight with
3 to 4 hours sun. Fertilizer: Apply a liquid general houseplant
fertilizer 30-10-10 at half rate every other watering during
fall, winter and spring. In summer use full rate with every
other watering. Extra care for all topiaries: Keep your
topiary in shape by winding growth around the topiary form
and pulling out dry leaves. Prune out the appropriate area
on your topiary to keep its unique shape. Pinch long shoots
to keep your plant full and compact.
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