This art is a gardening style in which the gardener gives whatever shape he wants to the species, and then continues to trim it to maintain this shape.

Which plants are best
Not all plants are appropriate for this kind of gardening. The keys for choosing the right ones:
� acquire species that allow successive trimming and recover quickly from this cutting.
� Choose plants that feature thick growth and small leaves so that the trimming does not leave gaps.
� If possible choose plants that grow slowly but have a large number of latent buds. This way, if a sprout dies you can trim down to the bud and it will grow and fill the empty spot.
� Use species that are resistant to pests and diseases.
Yew (Taxus baccata), boxwood (Buxus sempervirens), holly (Ilex aquifolium) and bay laurel (Laurus nobilis)� are some of the most commonly used plants that meet these requirements.

The following can also be used: Baggesen's gold, myrtle, California privet, Italian cypress and rosmarinus.

Ivy is a very pleasant-looking vine that is easy to guide as it grows along conical, spherical and other geometrically shaped support structures.

A decorative shrub can take years to fashion, and thus require determination.

Placement
To grow a decorative shrub it is a good idea to:
� place it in a bright spot that is sheltered from the wind so it can enjoy healthy, balanced growth
� have easy access to every part of the plant so you can trim it from all sides
� If you use isolated shapes, the surroundings should be simple because these shapes draw a lot of attention. They look good in a field or on gravel.
� Whether you plant it in a garden or a pot, the plant's soil should be rich and drain well.

Care tips
� Ornamental trimming takes patience and skill. The pruning is much more precise than in a normal trimming job. Take your time when starting out, and be careful not to leave it lopsided. It is also a good idea to use levels, ropes, patterns and anything else that will guide you as you trim.
� The successive trimming will depend on the speed of growth of the plant species you choose. Yew, for example, is trimmed once a year while Baggesen's gold needs to be pruned several times from spring to autumn.
� Pull weeds that grow around the plant.
� Water according to the needs of the plant.
� Fertilize repeatedly during the period of active growth.
� Watch out for pests and diseases, and treat them with the right products at the first sign of their appearance.
� If leaves have been damaged by the winter's cold, they should be trimmed in places where they look unattractive. But take care to retain the overall shape of the decorative shrub.