Site Visit with Mike Gibson

A self-taught craftsman and topiary designer, Mike Gibson merges artistry with horticulture. As the founder of Gibson Works, Mike’s mission is to create beautiful places for people to experience life. Mike loves inspiring future generations of artists through teaching topiary classes to all ages both in his hometown of Columbia and around the country. Gibson has created well over 600 topiary designs for properties nationwide, including spaces in Ohio, Texas, North Carolina, Florida, South Carolina and New York. He currently travels the country, educating communities on the therapeutic benefits of topiary with his engaging lectures, captivating demonstrations, and transformative topiary therapy workshops.

The Conservancy staff was thrilled to welcome Mike to Charleston last week for a inspirational site visit. Mike’s unique contribution to Bloom Charleston will live long beyond the festival as the custom topiaries he creates will become a permanent art installation at the Mulberry Park & Food Forest as part of the Conservancy’s West Ashley Bikeway art trail.

Mike will be creating components of the installation live throughout the day at Bloom Charleston before he takes the stage at 3:30 p.m. for a dynamic demonstration as he puts the finishing touches on his piece and leads the audience through his process, the basics of topiary design and how he creates his otherworldly designs.

This demonstration is appropriate for all art lovers of all ages!

Instagram: @gibson_works

The Philip Simmons Memorial Garden, Charleston, SC