World Topiary Day Enthuses Global Gardens

A Cumbrian visitor attraction has seen an event in the gardening calendar, which it founded just a few months ago, go global in its appeal, delivering more impact than even it anticipated.

Levens Hall and Gardens, located close to Kendal, is witnessing gardens and historic homes around the world busily making plans for the second World Topiary Day – a celebration of the art of topiary which allows the Cumbrian visitor attraction, to underline that it is home to the world’s oldest topiary garden, dating from 1694.

The celebration, which mainly had to be a virtual one this year, will again take place on May 12 next year.  That date has a special significance at Levens Hall and Gardens, as it was that of its quirky 17th and 18th century Radish Feast.

Now, thanks to the enthusiasm of the European Boxwood and Topiary Association, gardens across the world are making plans to stage World Topiary Day events in 2022, just as Levens Hall and Gardens formulates its own 2022 plans for May 12 and selected other days during the week around it.

So far, 33 French homes and gardens have signed up to participate in an event called  the ‘Journee Mondiale de la Topiaire’ in France.  Venues include the world-renowned Palace of Versailles near Paris, the acclaimed Eyrignac e Ses Jardins in the Dordogne and the famous Les Jardins Suspendus de Marqueyssac.

Also signed up are USA-based gardens, Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania and Jardin de Buis in New Jersey, as well as the Palheiro Gardens, lnear Funchal in Madeira, and Kragenhof in Belgium.

The ETBS is now similarly encouraging its UK topiary members to celebrate their own stunning topiary and join Levens Hall and Gardens in a UK-wide celebration.

The appeal of World Topiary Day in France is very apt, as the topiary at Levens Hall and Gardens was first introduced by French gardener and  former head gardener to James II, Monsieur Guillaume Beaumont, on behalf of the owner, Colonel James Grahme. 

Levens Hall and Gardens owner, Richard Bagot, says: “We are truly delighted to witness the appeal of World Topiary Day in other countries and believe we will see activity in other gardens across Europe and the USA.  Topiary has an enduring appeal and is much-loved by many formal gardens and gardeners, as well as private homeowners.  

“Everyone has a chance to celebrate their passion for topiary on World Topiary Day, sharing their images and ideas on social media as part of a wider topiary community.  We cannot wait to see who uses our #WorldTopiaryDay hashtag and who gets in touch with us, ahead of the day, to share their thoughts and ideas.”

Levens Hall and Gardens is keeping its topiary in perfect shape and condition, with the gardening team having started the long task of clipping and trimming the bushes and trees.  Cherry-pickers are on-site, helping the gardeners reach the top of some larger trees, including the famous Great Umbrella tree, whilst others are tending to the needs of Queen Elizabeth and her Maids of Honour, the toppling Wedding Cake, the Judge’s Wig, Darth Vader and a whole host of other themed or geometrically shaped pieces.

“This year’s maintenance work will be doubly important, given the huge interest in World Topiary Day”, says Richard Bagot.  “We need to make sure the gardens look their most pristine and attractive next year, as the eyes of the world’s topiary community will be upon us.”

For further information about World Topiary Day, please visit the World Topiary Day information available at www.levenshall.co.uk                                                          

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Editors notes

Levens Hall & Gardens is a historic house in the South Lakes, Cumbria, close to Kendal and home to the world's oldest topiary gardens, dating from 1694, created by French garden designer, Guillaume Beaumont. The Hall is a stunning Elizabethan house built around a 13th century pele tower and has close links to the Duke of Wellington, as well as various items which once belonged to him and Napoleon Bonaparte. Levens Park is home to the rare Bagot goats gifted to the Bagot family and a place in which to stroll and enjoy nature. Levens Kitchen is the contemporary new cafe, full of delights for cake lovers and foodies alike.