Best of 2003: Best Topiary Garden

Carmelite Monastery
5158 Hawley Boulevard, Normal Heights

Enrique Arroyo, the gardener at the Carmelite Monastery, was allowed to create topiary animals on the convent grounds. Arroyo's walrus, snail, armadillo, owl, and tortoise can be seen along Hawley Boulevard, just outside the wall of the Spanish Renaissance estate. The surrounding garden is also beautiful, with some unusual flowering plants. Don't miss the porcupine next to the chapel door.