Top tips for mastering topiary, straight from Henchman’s Topiary Awards judges!

Topiary has long been a hallmark of historical English gardens, adorning the grand grounds of country homes and heritage estates with a touch of quintessential yet showstopping charm for centuries.

Nowadays, though, it is a trend any gardener can try out, offering year-round interest, structure and character, in even the smallest of outdoor spaces. But many home gardeners might not know where to start when it comes to turning their hand to topiary.

To coincide with the launch of Henchman’s inaugural Topiary Awards, its four renowned judges and topiary experts have shared their top tips for creating beautiful garden art:

Plant health is paramount

Michael Buck, Head of Horticulture at Creepers Nursery has shared his wisdom on how to keep bushes, trees and shrubs healthy. He said: “Plant health is paramount to get the best out of your beloved topiary piece. Ensure the plants are well-fed and not overwatered - a plant is only as strong as its root system. A good dose of seaweed, every fortnight, will keep most plants happy and healthy.

“When it comes to creating your topiary piece, always begin by cutting away dead branches and leaves. Make sure the tools that are used for clipping are sharp and sterile to maintain overall health and prevent disease. Jeyes fluid is my go-to disinfectant, and stored in a handy spray gun, so that when I am moving between plants I can keep on top of the sterilisation process.”

Make sure you have the right tools for the job

Owen Simpson, Managing Director at Henchman, the brand behind the awards, said: “Sharp shears are essential when it comes to creating a neat and tidy shape. Opt for shears with high-carbon steel blades as these will not only provide precise cuts but are also lightweight, making your work less tiring.

“As most topiary work is done at height, it’s also important you have specialist ladders to keep you safe. Henchman’s Fully Adjustable Tripod Ladder will keep you stable on uneven terrain, and will provide you with enough support and space to move comfortably while working.

“It might also be useful to have a pair of durable gloves with good grip, canes for plant support, string if cutting straight lines, and a ground sheet and wheelbarrow to make cleaning up a little easier.”

Start simple and remember to step back!

Andy Bourke, Professional Topiary Artist also known as The Hedge Barber, has some tips for burgeoning gardeners. He said: “When it comes to deciding what shape to create, there are countless options! New to topiary? Start simple. Try geometric shapes first, such as balls, cubes and pyramids.

“Before starting, you want to stand back from the plant and visualise the result you are trying to achieve. Throughout the process, keep stepping back from the piece regularly and view it from different angles to get a feel for the overall shape as it progresses.

“Once you have your desired topiary shape, don't leave it too long in between trims as it'll be harder to redefine the shape the longer you leave it. Little and often is the key and making sure you're using the right tools for the job.

“When you have mastered the more standard shapes, you can branch out into single or double spirals, tiers with multiple trunks, arches, animals and even letters. Practice makes perfect!”

Experiment with different plants

Elizabeth Hilliard is the Editor of European Boxwood and Topiary Society (EBTS) TOPIARIUS magazine. She said: “We all love classic box and yew, holly and Portuguese laurel, but how about considering new and different plants and trees for clipping into interesting shapes?

“Deciduous trees like hawthorn can be clipped tall to provide privacy from neighbours while allowing pretty dappled light in summer. It also has beautiful spring blossom and decorative red haws in autumn. You can also try more modern topiary ideas like pruning fruit trees into asymmetrical sculptural shapes.”

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About the Henchman Topiary Awards

Family-run business Henchman has launched the Topiary Awards in celebration of their 30th anniversary, to recognise the hidden talents of the topiary world, bringing this much-loved art back into the spotlight.

With two categories – one for best professional topiary and one for best home gardeners – the awards will celebrate those who demonstrate exceptional skill, creativity, and passion in shaping and maintaining these fantastic living sculptures.

The winners of the awards will 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.

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/

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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.