Topiary is an art form that is made and presented using natural materials. The name topiary comes from the Latin name for an ornamental gardener topiarius. Topiary was renowned and respected as an art form throughout the Roman Era which explains its Latin name. Topiary has proven popular not only within the Roman Empire but all over the world.

Topiary has been taken up within equal enthusiasm in China and Japan however the end results differ somewhat. In fitting with the traditions of feng shui, zen and other ways of life the emphasis is placed on natural energies that contribute to designs effectiveness.

Asian topiary focuses on the progression and ageing of plants; showing their prosperity and resilience in the face of adversity. Gardeners allow pines and other trees to age gracefully with the minimum of intervention. The main influences on the designs are nature as gardeners allow the elements to take control and shape topiary arrangements.

The closest comparison to traditional topiary in Asia is cloud pruning. Gardeners trim and prune patches of shrubbery to resemble small fluffy clouds, organised in a floating, dreamy arrangement. The art of Peijing is also popular. Closely linked to Bonsai, Peijing involves gardeners creating miniscule gardens that are maintained by regular calculated pruning. By continually pruning any new shoots and blossoms the gardens remain incredibly small and are held in high regard by many.

Topiary took its time to reach American shores but received a warm reception thanks to colonial citizens.

Topiary became popular for a short spell during the eighteenth century and appeared in a few public gardens. During the American Arts Renaissance period topiary enjoyed an enthusiastic revival with many of these gardens topiary exhibits becoming reinstated.

Notable topiary displays include the topiary maze at the governor’s palace in Colonial Williamsburg and Harvey Ladew’s contribution to one of Maryland’s gardens. Ladew’s piece features various animals from a fox hunt jumping over a hedge and is held in high regard as one of America’s most stunning topiary displays.

Topiary had remained popular throughout Britain up until the eighteenth century. Topiary fell from popularity after receiving extensive criticism for becoming to commonplace.

Topiary still survived in some cottage gardens but in a much reduced form. This continued until the mid nineteenth century when topiary enjoyed a revival. This was due to well known botanist John Loudon drawing attention to the absence of topiary by publishing articles about it.

Following this initial revival topiary remained popular throughout the Victorian era. Topiary is still found in many stately homes and is associated with English cottage gardens.