Depending on where you are shopping that price is not out of the norm for something that large. Without knowing what plant the topiary were I couldn't tell you if they are hardy to your area.

But I am guessing that they may have been junipers. Topiaries are fairly easy to do on your own, The Complete Book of Topiary is a good book for a beginner and even shows you how you can make your own, using indoor house plants and landscaping plants. Take a look at it at your library and take down notes or go out and buy it. You could buy a smaller plant and have an impressive spiral in no time with very little money.

Hope this helps.

Here is a link that might be useful: Find this book