Topiary Testudo and Veteran’s Memorial Flag Court
1 |
2
The pedestrian plaza East of Benjamin Hall and South of
Cole Student Activity Center along Campus Drive is home to two landmarks,
Topiary Testudo and the Veteran’s Memorial Flag Court. Every day, thousands of
UM campus community members pass through this pocket park, with its
criss-crossing sidewalks, on their way from parking lots to work, classes, and
other activities; and every year, thousands of campus visitors pose here to have
their pictures taken. The plaza was designed by architecture students working
with UM’s Facilities Planning Department.
Topiary Testudo is a frame topiary created by Tennessee artist Joe Kyte, also
known as “Topiary Joe,” and it measures 12 feet long, 5 feet wide and 3 feet 6
inches tall. Kyte has refined the art of topiary, traditionally creating
sculptures with clipped shrubbery and vines, by adding a metal frame through
which the plants grow. His sculptures are featured at many famous landscapes,
including Legoland, Disney World, and SeaWorld. Topiary Testudo is a gift from
the Class of 2004 which took two years to raise $12,000 for the sculpture and
commission an artist for the work.
Topiary Testudo sits on a raised circular mound in the center of a circular
sidewalk. The sculptural shell is made of sheared boxwood growing through the
metal frame and the head is
Next