But now, as most of us are trimming our hedges, it’s worth considering a few simple tricks of the topiary trade.
You can create a whimsical shape from a plant which will be both eye-catching and a topic of conversation when spotted.
The best plants for topiary are box or yew, although you can also clip holly, conifers and ivy into structural features.
Beginners should not be too ambitious in their creations – it’s better to go for a pyramid or sphere from a plant in a pot than a huge lion or peacock from a hedge in your front garden.
To make a topiary sphere, stand above the plant and clip a broad band around its waist. Then clip from the top middle point to the waist, then upwards from the bottom middle point to the waist. That will give you the outline for your sphere.
These sort of shapes look great in pairs outside front doors to make an impressive entrance, or add structure when put together on a patio.
They should be clipped little and often using sheep shears or single-handed clippers to keep their shape.
If you want to make a pyramid, tie three canes together into an extended triangle to use almost as a guideline for shape.
You can also buy topiary frames from garden centres, in all shapes and sizes ranging from a globe to a teddy bear, or you could make your own frames out of chicken wire.
To make a standard box bush, when the plant is around 2ft high shorten the lower branches by half so a stem forms and shape the top into a rough ball shape.
A year later, cut all branches from the stem. The lollipop top should be half the stem height and you can then trim it to shape.
Standard box bushes can also add shape and texture to a border, drawing the eye and creating detailed interest.
As both box and yew are slow-growing, they only need trimming twice a year once their shape is established, in early summer and early autumn.
Potted topiary needs watering thoroughly and regularly in summer and the roots need protection from frost in the winter.
If you are starting from scratch, choose a plant which already has the makings of a shape such as a dome or spire, so that all you have to do is exaggerate it.
For a slightly different effect, ivy can be extremely useful.
Common ivy can easily be trained into formal shapes with, say, the help of sweet pea rings, to grow around metal hoops or arches against a wall.
Dwarf conifers can also be used to make effective architectural shapes, while upright varieties are ideal for training into obelisks or spires.
Common holly can also be used to make into mushroom or sphere shapes.
Once you have got the hang of the sphere or the pyramid, who knows, before long you may be able to create that grand peacock you’ve been dreaming about.
Author: Jonny
Author of Gardening Life!