Topiary has often been relegated to the banal, OCD's (obsessive-compulsive disorder) of society. And while manicured conifers and shrubs will always be with us, there is an emergence of handsome - yet sometimes quirky - art. The clipped hedge may actually be maturing.

And it's about time too. Topiary's bad rap sheet has kept many gardeners snubbing their noses at these forced organic objets d'art. While we can hastily recount some disastrous efforts - quite possibly in our own neighbourhoods - there aren't too many examples that we would often write home about.

Hopefully these next 21 pictures of some of the world's best topiaries may tempt you to take another look.

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• Elephant topiaries at Petersham House

  These topiaries, shaped as a herd of elephants, were commissioned for a Durbar fundraising event.
  
  
  Source: Topiary Art Designs



• The Neiman-Marcus Dragon Topiary

  Look what $30,000 can get you for Christmas. Start saving...
  
  
  Source: i.cnn.net



• Horse-Drawn Carriage

  I wonder if this topiary turns into a pumpkin come midnight?
  
  
  Source: Janet Koch.com



• Giant Panda Getting a Haircut

  From the 2001 Mosaiculture Festival in Montreal, Quebec
  
  
  Source: A.M. Kuchling



• EPCOT Troll

  Taken at the 2005 International Flower & Garden Festival in Norway is this gorgeous troll. Wouldn't you love one of these in your garden?
  
  
  Source: meshmar2