Meaning: The quote you have provided refers to the use of junipers in creating topiaries, which are living sculptures made from plants, typically shrubs or trees, that have been pruned and trained into ornamental shapes. Robert Fortune, a Scottish botanist and plant hunter, is known for introducing tea plants from China to India and for his travels and discoveries in East Asia.

In the quote, Fortune is highlighting the suitability of junipers for topiary work, particularly in relation to their ability to be shaped and molded into desired forms. Junipers are a genus of evergreen coniferous trees and shrubs belonging to the cypress family. They are known for their needle-like foliage and often have a naturally dense and compact growth habit, which makes them ideal candidates for topiary artistry.

When creating a topiary, the plant is pruned and trained to grow in a specific manner, often with the use of frames or supports to guide its growth. Junipers are favored for this purpose due to their flexible branches, which can be more easily manipulated and bent into intricate shapes. This flexibility allows for greater artistic expression and precision in sculpting the desired form.

Furthermore, the quote mentions the addition of "eyes and tongue" to the topiary representation after the plant has been shaped. This likely refers to the incorporation of additional plant material or decorative elements to enhance the visual depiction of the topiary, adding details such as facial features or other ornamental touches to complete the artistic representation.

Overall, Fortune's statement reflects the practical and artistic advantages of using junipers in topiary design. Their pliability and adaptability make them valuable assets in the creation of intricate and visually appealing living sculptures. The quote also suggests that when skillfully executed, the resulting topiary representation can be truly impressive and effective in conveying the intended artistic vision.

In the world of horticulture and landscape design, topiaries have a long history and continue to be popular features in gardens, parks, and ornamental landscapes. They offer a unique blend of natural beauty and artistic expression, blurring the boundaries between traditional gardening and sculptural art.

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, topiaries can also serve practical purposes, such as defining spaces, creating focal points, or adding a touch of whimsy to outdoor environments. The use of junipers in topiary work further underscores the versatility and adaptability of these plants in fulfilling both ornamental and functional roles in landscaping and garden design.

As a scientist and plant explorer, Fortune's observations and insights into the use of junipers for topiary art contribute to our understanding of the diverse and creative applications of plant materials in horticulture. His recognition of the qualities that make junipers well-suited for topiary work reflects a deep appreciation for the unique characteristics of these plants and their potential for artistic expression.

In conclusion, the quote by Robert Fortune emphasizes the value of junipers in the art of topiary, acknowledging their flexibility and suitability for creating intricate living sculptures. It underscores the fusion of nature and artistry in horticulture, as well as the enduring appeal of topiaries as captivating elements in designed landscapes.