Garden topiary

This page and its linked pages are in development. More pictures of this area over the years to follow.

5. Beech spiral

A young beech tree was in the garden when we arrived in 1986. Over the years it has been allowed to double in size, but has also been trained and clipped in a spiral. This has been achieved by cutting out some stems, tying others together, and clipping the new growth to shape once a year in late June or early July. The top of the spiral is quite challenging, balancing on step ladders with a long pole hedgetrimmer. Underneath in this picture you can see clipped box, golden privet and berberis.

 

More to follow

 

6. Cartwheel

The cartwheel was started in 2004 with small cuttings of variegated box which had been taken from the two parent bushes shown on the birdbath page. In its centre is a prunus nigra, and the four quarters have been filled with various plants. Currently they host four pots of lavender, which does not grow well in our heavy clay soil - hence the pots.