Today’s technique is one used commonly for natural elements of MOCs, such as hedges, trees or bushes. It involves using the standard leaf parts and intertwining them, which not only forms a solid connection but looks more realistic and natural than if they were built normally.
Katie Walker, famous for her “cheese” slope mosaics that I have previously featured on this page, was who I believe was the first to use this technique, and the images pictured are from her Flickr account. Make sure to check out these link for some other great pictures: https://www.flickr.com/photos/eilonwy77/sets/72157629804759804