Topiary

Topiary refers to the practice of shaping and pruning trees, shrubs and plants so that they form sculptures. The word “topiary” comes from the Latin language meaning ornamental landscape gardener and this is what topiary actually is. Evergreens are always used for this purpose because they have small leaves and dense growth. The most common trees are box, arborvitae, bay laurel, holly, myrtle, yew and pivot. In creating sculptures from the trees, wire cages are used to guide the hands of an apprentice, but traditional work of this nature requires patience and a steady hand. By covering the wire shape with ivy, the tree can have a sculptured look in only a few months.

The practice of topiary dates back to Ancient Rome and the gardens of Julius Caesar. Miniature landscapes were created on the grounds of Roman villas. Topiary was also practiced in China and Japan, but with different results. The aim of the work in these countries was to bring out the natural spirit of the trees. Japanese bonsai is a form of this type of topiary.

During the Renaissance, topiary transformed gardens and terraces with trees pruned to form balls and circles. They were also sculpted into shapes representing people and animals. Although the art dies out during the 18th and 19th century, it has seen a revival since the beginning of the 20th century.

Some of the best places to see exquisite examples of topiary in the United Kingdom are:

The gardens surrounding the hotel in Clivedon in Buckinghamshire, England. This was once a mansion owned by the Astor family.
Levens Hall and Topiary Gardens in Cumbria England dates back to the 17th century when it was laid out by a French gardener. Here you will see one of the oldest topiary gardens in the world.
Canons Ashby in Northamptonshire is a 16th century garden that was revised in the 17th century.
See a line of trees shaped like elephants and some other unusual topiary designs at Nellie’s Garden in Stiffkey, Norfolk.
An American, Major Lawrence Johnston, designed Hidcote Manor Garden, in Gloucestershire. This garden is said to be the best arts and crafts garden in Britain. Here you will see a delightful collection of trees, shrubs and herb gardens.
Enjoy the amusing topiary garden at Knightshayes Court located in Bolham, Devon.
Nathaniel Lloyd, who also wrote a book on the subject of topiary, laid out the beautiful Great Dexter Gardens in East Essex.
Topiary lines the walkway and fills the exquisite gardens surrounding Drummond Castle in Perthshire, Scotland.
Portmeirion, in North Wales, present topiary in a wild setting that has often been used for movies and television programs.