Nov 30th, 2018: Topiary

[xoxoxoBruce]

Here’s an excellent example of the work ethic and dedication to their profession the older generation had and which has died with them.

In 1936, gardener Josè Maria Azael Franco, who worked as the caretaker of the city’s municipal cemetery, began sculpting the rows of bushes under his care into a variety of shapes and designs. There are the archways and angular geometric shapes that can be found in topiary collections around the world, but Franco also created a number of unique natural sculptures all his own.

The garden features animals, angels, Incan symbols, and bulbous, iconic creatures squatting in a row.
Franco passed away in 1985 and was fittingly buried at the cemetery, in the shadow of his life’s work.

The topiary wonders live on to this day, cared for by Franco’s five sons, and the cemetery staff.

See what I mean, five sons and a crew to do Jose’s job, lazy whippersnappers.

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