Topiary:

Topiary – is the art of pruning trees and shrubs into striking shapes. These techniques were originally developed for practicality, either because of the restraints of walled gardens or from the aristocrats' desire for controlled planting and patterned gardens.

For centuries the countryside and manor houses have been surrounded by beautiful Buxus (box) hedges crafted into eye-catching shapes and styles. Hampton Court uses the Buxus to great lengths with wonderfully cut and shaped figurines, spirals and cylinders.

Now, in the twenty first century, there is a renewed interest in formal plantings, especially in topiary, as people try to make the most of smaller gardens. Spirals, double spirals and poodle or pom pom cuts add a touch of glamour to smaller plots.

Large blank walls with a strip of soil beneath are a perfect background for displaying these artistic formations.

The box hedge proves a popular and very effective bordering and can be used to form patterns and structures to shape interest into otherwise mundane rectangular or square gardens.

Once these shapes have been formed, any errant growth should be cut back every Spring and Autumn so the topiaries will keep their shape.

Nick of Thyme can both give advice and carry out the planting and maintenance of your personal topiary design