What is topiary?
Topiary (Dutch: vormboom) is one or more trees or shrubs that are pruned and kept in a particular shape. Examples include an arch or gateway (berceau), an arbour, a ball, cone or block, or even an animal figure. When a single tree is shaped, the term form pruning is also used.
Types of topiary
- Geometric shapes: balls, cones, pyramids and blocks, often in box or yew.
- Architectural shapes: arches, gateways, arbours and hedges that act as the walls of a garden room.
- Figures: animals or fantasy creatures. These take years to build up, often with a frame.
- Espaliers: trees trained flat against a frame, such as pleached lime. These are sometimes counted as topiary, because they are also forced into a fixed form.
- Bonsai: in a broad sense also topiary, as the tree is shaped and kept small.
In practice
Topiary gives a garden structure, works as a green screen, or accompanies a facade or terrace. An espalier in front of a facade gives shade in summer without taking up much space.
Practical tips:
- Choose a species that tolerates pruning. Box, yew, hornbeam, beech and lime all respond well to regular clipping.
- Build the shape gradually. Trim every year rather than cutting hard once; a frame or template helps you keep the line.
- Leave space behind an espalier between frame and facade, so air can circulate and the wall stays reachable for maintenance.
- Plan the upkeep. Without regular pruning, topiary quickly loses its shape; allow for at least one or two clipping sessions a year.
Related terms
- Pleached lime
- Green facade
- Vertical garden
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