Julius Caesar probably strolled in villa gardens filled with it. Henry VIII may well have wooed one, (or more), of his wives behind hedges of it. Louis XIV made it into a stunning art form. The Dutch excelled at it.
Topiary : the art of trimming and training plants to create geometric or natural shapes , often called ” the art of living sculptures”.
Cultivation : For year round structure, yew (Taxus baccata) and box (Buxus sempervirens) are the usual evergreens used, although other species such as privet and holly can be suitable too. If you are establishing a box-hedged garden, keep an eye out for any bare or brown patches which might be the result of a fungal disease, box blight (Cylindrocladium buxicola), and destroy affected plants. Pruning in northern hemispheres is generally done in early June and then again in Autumn, so that new growth is not damaged by frost. After clipping, feed and mulch. Box is very easy to propagate from cuttings.
Balls, pyramids and cubes are the best subjects to begin with. Topiary frames are available to help with more complex shapes, such as animals, once you feel confident.
Historically,Topiary has been used as Mazes and Labyrinths, Parterres and Knot gardens, sometimes infilled with coloured gravel or with herbs or flowers.
Although it may seem a bit traditional and staid,
and the two specimens either side of the front door may be a cliché.
Yet, it does brings year-round structure and interest.
and a sense of fun.
To create a more modern look, mass box balls for maximum impact,
plant it in swirls instead of the usual straight lines,
plant blocks to create a contemporary clean look,
or mix it with modern planting such as grasses.
Certainly in winter, topiary is great for giving structure to a garden.