COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – The newly renovated Finlay Park features pristine walkways, a massive amphitheater stage and a modern playground, but visitors may not immediately notice the carefully crafted greenery that frames these attractions.
Michael Gibson, a topiary artist with 32 years of experience, has spent over 20 hours creating intricate plant sculptures for the park’s latest phase. For Gibson, transforming bushes and shrubs into art is more than landscaping—it’s a therapeutic practice and creative outlet.
“So by high school, I was cutting hair, I was cutting grass, I was cutting shrubs,” Gibson said. “I teach people the therapeutic benefits of doing topiary and how it could be a stress reliever and give you this great sense of accomplishment.”…