In high school, I worked part-time in a flower shop named Wild Thyme. This shop had the most gorgeous myrtle topiaries and started my love affair with this plant… 

Unfortunately, these fickle plants are sort of like having a pet. They need just the right amount of water, sunlight, heat, humidity and regular grooming. If any of these conditions are off, you’ve quickly got a perfectly shaped dead plant on your hands.
 
However, when maintained these topiaries are beautiful and chic. They are a perfect accessory for the home and have a great architectural quality to them.

Larger varieties that can withstand changes in temperature are also great outside…

They perfect in place of flowers at a party (and can be rented and returned)…

(Photos: Snug Harbor Farm, Living it at Home, Martha Stewart Living)