Cornell Cooperative Extension Community Horticulture

What’s green, very cool, easy to make, and can transform your world? Living sculpture, of course! We’re launching a new website that introduces young people and their leaders to the leading edge in gardening and the environment.

What is living sculpture?
It’s sculpture created with living, growing, or recently harvested plants. It can be functional and/or ornamental.

What comes to mind when you think of sculpture?
Chances are, you may think of something made from clay, plaster, glass, bronze, or even, plastic. Sculptors through the ages have traditionally worked with media such as these. Although sculpting plants isn’t a new idea (think bonsai or topiary), its recent rediscovery by artists, horticulturalists, gardeners, and young people has given living sculpture an innovative popularity.

Living sculpture offers a highly appealing blend of art and science. On one hand, you’re creating a piece of art. It’s creative, it may be whimsical, and will surely stand out in your backyard, park, school, or community center. Creating a living sculpture gives you the chance to bring your own unique vision or idea to life (literally!) On the other hand, this piece of art is alive! The plants you use are a vital part of your sculpture. Those plants have needs that must be met to keep your sculpture alive, and may require special horticultural skills, such as grafting, to create the art.

How is the project set up?

Our web-based project guide introduces easy activities that you can do in an afternoon, and more challenging community projects to create over time. Videos and images provide inspiration. You’ll find guides to making many projects, from sod furniture to topiary and mowing patterns. Visit us! http://www.hort.cornell.edu/livingsculpture

What leaders are saying about Living Sculpture:

“It’s exciting to see that the gardening community has produced something revolutionary for a change.”

“The kids got so creative and wanted to keep going and going. We will be doing more projects along this line!”

“I’m always pleased to see the sod sofa in use. Yesterday morning when I came out of Gimme Coffee I saw a woman reclining on it reading a book. It’s certainly not just for kids.”

Visit our site!

http://www.hort.cornell.edu/livingsculpture

Questions? Contact: Marcia Eames-Sheavly, ME14@cornell.edu

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