As plans are underway to revive a topiary garden at Sandringham, we revisit some of the finest examples in Britain
This summer, Sandringham – under the precise eye of King Charles III – will reveal a new climate friendly Topiary Garden. Admirers of the joyful symmetry of Georgian architecture will also take pleasure in the ornamental arrangement of a well-balanced topiary garden. All the more impressive, because, unlike bricks and mortar, the unruly greenery requires time, painstaking care and continual clipping for the most spherical of orbs and princely of chess pieces. The taming of the yew, if you like.
Topiary has been around for hundreds of years, an ancient art form, with oscillating sculptural hedges cropping up since Roman times. They usually fall into one of two categories: architectural, with arched walkways and box-bordered paths; and whimsical, like artful teapots, peacocks and chess pieces. Here are a handful of Britain's finest – and one irresistible French example from the Dordogne.