Fortunately, there’s tabletop topiary. Topiary, the art of pruning a plant into a geometric or whimsical ornamental shape, has been practiced by horticulturists and amateurs alike since Roman times.

These topiary are mostly too large and complicated to be done in a single afternoon. A dappled willow, or Salix integra, pruned into a relaxed topiary shape at Snug Harbor Farm. Photo by Tom Atwell ...

Topiary offers a unique way for plants to shape our gardens.. Shaping plants into balls, pyramids and even birds doesn’t have to be as complicated as it might seem, so you don’t just have to ...

Talented designers have shaped their topiary to look like animals Credit: Alamy He advises attending a class or demonstration to get an idea of technique. The EBTS website also offers tips and advice.

“Plant them small and grow them into a shape, working your way upwards and outwards. Topiary is like a journey. You’re never finished, they’re always developing.

The key thing that emerges, as the head gardener at the world’s oldest topiary garden shares the secrets of topiary, is that they number one thing you will need is patience. News you can trust ...