Shaping up your Shrubs: Top Tips from the Topiary Awards Judges

Topiary has been shaping the charm of gardens for centuries – adding structure, character and a sense of artistry to outdoor spaces. Once seen only in grand estates, this living art form is now cropping up everywhere, from cottage gardens to city balconies.

With just a few tools and a bit of patience, anyone can start transforming their greenery into eye-catching shapes. But while the results can be magical, knowing where to begin can feel like the trickiest part.

To celebrate the return of the Henchman Topiary Awards, this year’s panel of expert judges have shared their essential tips for mastering the craft – whether a seasoned topiarist or a gardener picking up the shears for the first time.

If you’re looking for a starting point, see our Beginner’s Guide to Topiary blog. 

Let your hedges guide you

Petra Hoyer Millar, Editor of The Dirt News

“For keen organic pruning topiarists, when shaping, take your cue from the plant,” says Petra. “This may sound bizarre, but let your hedge ‘show you’ where it really wants to grow and where it doesn’t. The bold growth is where you can create fancy shapes, and where slower, you clip less ambitiously.”

Petra also reminds gardeners not to neglect the basics: “Look after your topiary hedge the same way you do your herbaceous borders. Compost, feed and mulch regularly – hedges thrive on a little TLC.”

Plant health is paramount

Michael Buck, Head of Horticulture at Creepers Nursery

“To get the best out of your topiary, it’s essential to keep your plants healthy,” says Michael. “A plant is only as strong as its root system. Feed regularly – seaweed every fortnight works wonders and avoid overwatering.”

He also stresses the importance of starting with a clean slate: “Always begin by cutting away dead branches and leaves. And make sure your tools are sharp and sterile to maintain overall health and prevent disease – Jeyes fluid in a spray gun is my go-to for disinfecting between plants.”

Pruning made simple

Patrick Salembier, President of EBTS France

Patrick suggests starting your pruning early in the growing season and continuing through the summer. "For evergreens, aim to prune two or three times a year to keep the shape in check."

To create a cone shape, Patrick recommends trimming the top branches a little more than the bottom. "Start by cutting the ends of the branches about 10cm at the top and 5cm at the bottom. This helps the bottom stay fuller and the top shape up."

As the tree grows, Patrick emphasises the importance of keeping the shape neat with regular trims. "Aim for trims every three months – March, June and September. It’s a simple way to ensure your topiary stays tidy and well-shaped."

To make trimming easier, he also shares a helpful tip. "Use a string tied to the middle of your ladder attached to a weight on the ground. This simple setup helps guide you to maintain a rounded shape every time."

Start simple and remember to step back

Andy Bourke, Professional Topiarist and Online Influencer

“When choosing your shape, start simple,” says Andy. “Geometric forms like balls, cubes and pyramids are ideal for beginners.”

He adds: “Before you cut, stand back and visualise the shape. And keep stepping back throughout to check your progress from different angles.”

For maintenance, his advice is simple: “Don’t leave it too long between trims – it's much easier to keep the shape with regular upkeep. Little and often is the secret.”

About the Henchman Topiary Awards

Launched last year in celebration of Henchman’s 30th anniversary, the Topiary Awards are back for 2025, expanding to include entries from across Europe.

Following the success of the inaugural competition in 2024, the awards will continue to celebrate the artistry, skill and passion behind living garden sculptures. The competition features two categories – Best Professional Topiary and Best Home Garden Creation, with separate winners for the UK and Europe.

Winners will be announced at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival on 5th July 2025, where they will receive a Henchman ladder of their choice to continue their topiary journey.

The judging panel includes Andy Bourke, Michael Buck, Petra Hoyer Millar and Patrick Salembier.

Entries opened on 20th March and close on 31st May 2025. To enter, submit photographs and a brief description via the official competition page.