The search for Britain’s best topiary artist: Henchman launches its inaugural Topiary Awards

Calling all budding home gardeners and topiary artists! Henchman, the leading garden ladder expert, is on the lookout for Britain's best topiary artists to enter its inaugural Topiary Awards.

Launching on 20th March 2024 to mark the first day of a new spring season, the awards have been designed to celebrate the art of topiary and recognise those who demonstrate exceptional skill, creativity, and passion in shaping and maintaining incredible living sculptures.

With two categories announced – one for best professional topiary and one for best home garden creation – individuals of all backgrounds and skill levels are encouraged to enter their favourite pieces of work.

An esteemed panel of topiary experts and horticulturalists including; Elizabeth Hilliard, Editor of European Boxwood and Topiary Society (EBTS) magazine TOPIARIUS; Michael Buck, Head of Horticulture at Creepers Nursery; Andy Bourke, professional topiarist and better known as The Hedge Barber; and Owen Simpson, Managing Director at Henchman, will evaluate each submission based on creativity, craftsmanship, and overall impact.

The winners will then be announced at this year’s RHS Hampton Court Flower Festival, where they will receive a trophy, a high-value prize bundle of Henchman products, an annual membership to the European Boxwood and Topiary Society and a day trip for two to one of the EBTS UK’s day-long garden trips.

"We are excited to announce the launch of the Henchman Topiary Awards and showcase the best creations in the world of topiary from across the country," said Owen Simpson, Managing Director of Henchman. "Topiary has been an important part of British gardening for centuries, and we hope that the awards will not only shine a light on those talented individuals who create topiary but also inspire the next generation of gardeners to try their hand at the art."

To enter, simply submit photographs and a summary of your best piece of topiary before the closing date, 31st May 2024.

For more information on how to participate and for full terms and conditions, please visit https://www.henchman.co.uk/henchman-topiary-awards/

ENDS

Notes to Editor

The Judges

Elizabeth Hilliard – Editor of European Boxwood and Topiary Society UK - TOPIARIUS

Elizabeth is a long-time member of the European Boxwood and Topiary Society (EBTS) and has been the editor of TOPIARIUS since 2022. She has written for a wide range of national publications and is the author of many books on interior decoration and the decorative arts. Elizabeth is a keen gardener and topiarist.

Andy Bourke – The Hedge Barber – Professional Topiarist and Online Influencer

Andy has worked in horticulture for over 10 years and is a professional hedge cutter and topiary artist. Using traditional hand cutting methods, Andy has worked on small intricate topiary designs as well as larger, organic shapes. Andy is better known online at The Hedge Barber – creating aesthetically pleasing videos of his topiary creations.

Michael Buck – Head of Horticulture at Creepers Nursery

Michael stumbled into the world of horticulture whilst finding a balance with his passion for football. Having now spent many years working in the industry, building up a repertoire of skills, Michael has worked on many nurseries and garden projects and has since become the Head of Horticulture at Creepers Nursery.

Owen Simpson – Managing Director at Henchman

Having worked at Henchman for many years, Owen is no stranger to hedge cutting, topiary and working safely at heights. Being a keen gardener himself, he is excited to be involved in celebrating topiary artists across the country which will hopefully inspire a new generation of topiary artists and gardeners.

Entry T&Cs

The give away will run from 20 March 2024 to 31 May 2024. The competition is open to UK residents only. Entrants must be over 18 years old. Employees of Henchman and their relatives, as well as any other company linked to the awards, are not eligible to enter. By entering the competition, participants agree to abide by the terms and conditions outlined on Henchman's website.

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Editors notes

Henchman has been a pioneer of specialist garden ladders and safe hedge-cutting platforms since 1994, when it launched its first model at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Founded by father and son duo Mike and Tom Kitching, over the past three decades the company has evolved from a small family business to the leading garden ladder brand in the UK.

Based in Wiltshire, the dedicated design team at Henchman offers a wide range of unique products created to keep customers safe on uneven terrain while working at height.

Its collection includes the cutting-edge Fully Adjustable Tripod Ladder, Fully Adjustable PRO Tripod Ladder, the Hi-Step Platform, the Wheeled Henchman, as well as a range of large capacity wheelbarrows and accessories, all designed to make gardening a safe, sturdy and enjoyable experience.

Henchman has pioneered the way in ladder safety and is the first and only fully EN131 certified Tripod Ladder on the market in the UK and the rest of the world.

From the National Trust, to the England Rugby team and Royal Households, and not forgetting thousands of gardeners, DIY-enthusiasts and professionals, Henchman helps its customers get the job done, safely.