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GOT TOPIARY? A CONVERSATION WITH PLANTSMAN/ARTIST MIKE GIBSON

Jennifer Jewell


 

 

This week, guest-host Abra Lee is in conversation with legendary topiary artist and star of the HGTV hit show Clipped, Mike ‘Gibby-Siz’ Gibson.


Mike is based out of sunny Columbia, South Carolina where he owns and operates his own business, Gibson Works. In their lively conversation, Abra and Mike talk about all things Topiary arts! Diving into Mike’s time on Clipped, alongside Martha Stewart, how he built his company, and where his love of the plant arts germinated.


For those of you who aren’t all that familiar with the topiary arts, you are in for a treat! We are graced today by one of the most prolific topiary artists of his time, Mike Gibson. Mike started his craft at the young age of SEVEN, can you believe it? He took pride as a youngster in his family home's landscape, which led him to work in many homes throughout his neighborhood fostering his love for plants and nature as he grew up.


Through the love and support of his Dad and the talented topiary artist Pearl Fryar he was able to turn his successful “side hustle” into being a full blown property artist.


In 2015, Mike officially started Gibson Works Property Art which focuses on enhancing the curb appeal of properties whether residential or commercial.


Mike's story is one that shows us that you can create a whole life around your passion, one that supports you, brings you joy and gives to your community in such a meaningful way.



Follow Mike Online:

And on Instagram:


All Photos courtesy of Mike Gibson. All rights reserved.


 

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JOIN US again next week, when Jennifer is back and is in conversation - just in time for Valentine's Day - with creative floral artist, innovator, and designer Passionflower Sue. Because if you don't have a passion for it, why do it? Sue McLeary tells us how. That's right here, next week.


 


Cultivating Place is made possible in part by listeners like you and by generous support from



supporting initiatives that empower women and help preserve the planet through the intersection of environmental advocacy, social justice, and creativity.



 


 

Thinking out loud this week...


Hey, y'all, it's Abra-


My takeaway this week from my conversation with Mike is that all our life’s experiences no matter how small can contribute to our “big picture” of success. Whether that's cutting hair at a salon, or in my case, sitting shotgun with my dad as a child as he did his inspections as Director of Parks at Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta.


Mike is such a true demonstration of what growth and determination together will get you.


Listening to him tell us about how his fun nickname came about, what it was like working with the great Martha Stewart, and how he has grown as an artist really inspired me to go out there and get back in my own garden at home and see what beauty I can bring back to the world, even if its just in my little backyard.


I hope you all can find that exciting bug to bite you as we make it through this cold season and prepare for all your surroundings have to offer come spring time.


Who knows, maybe even find a bush to try out your topiary skills!





 

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Cultivating Place is a co-production of North State Public Radio, a service of Cap Radio, licensed to Chico State Enterprises. Cultivating Place is made possible in part listeners just like you through the support button at the top right-hand corner of every page at Cultivating Place.com.


The CP team includes producer and engineer Matt Fidler, with weekly tech and web support from Angel Huracha, weekly communications support by Sheila Stern and Carley Bruckner, transcripts by Doulos Transcription, and regular guest hosting by Abra Lee and Ben Futa. We’re based on the traditional and present homelands of the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of the Chico Rancheria. Original theme music is by Ma Muse, accompanied by Joe Craven and Sam Bevan.


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