A Gardener’s Guide to Topiary

This book features projects for beginners to experienced gardeners and demonstrates how to clip a spiral, create freehand figures, use topiary frames, train an arch, and tame a hedge. A section on green architecture looks at larger topiary elements, including hedges, doorways and windows, and niches and alcoves. Achievable geometric shapes are also covered, from spheres and pyramids to turrets and helter-skelters. There are suggestions for more ambitious planting effects, such as knot gardens and parterres. Sculptural topiary is also explored, from the clipped creatures of cottage gardens to modern plant shaping. A plant directory then lists the best plants and the training to which they are suited.