The first new guide to topiary in over 80 years, this guide presents all the classic methods of formal plant shaping and includes 100 plans for indoor and outdoor plant creations anyone can make for themselves. Illustrated.

A toparius was a Roman garden designer, the clipping and shaping of trees and shrubs is thus a very old art, yet in this book the reader is treated to designs such as a locomotive, an Egyptian temple and a leafy Loch Ness Monster.

This is a practical guide to the art of clipping, training and shaping plants. It offers fascinating insight into the art of topiary, with step-by-step instructions, spectacular photography and authoritative text. It shows how topiary can complement a range of garden styles and create design effects, such as defining an entranceway, marking a boundary or creating depth. Projects for beginners through to experienced gardeners show how to clip a spiral, create freehand figures, use topiary frames, train an arch, and tame a hedge. Jenny Hendy explains how topiary can be incorporated into garden styles, from traditional and contemporary to country-house and Japanese. A section on green architecture looks at larger topiary elements, including hedges, doorways and windows, and niches and alcoves. Achievable geometric shapes are also covered, from spheres and pyramids to turrets and helter-skelters. There are suggestions for more ambitious planting effects, such as knot gardens and parterres. Sculptural topiary is also explored, from the clipped creatures of cottage gardens to modern plant shaping. A plant directory then lists the best plants and the training to which they are suited.

One of the most remarkable short stories in Janni Howker's BADGER ON THE BARGE is THE TOPIARY GARDEN, currently under option for filming It is the evocative, timeless story of Sally Beck, and the circumstances which led her to become Jack, the gardener's boy, working amongst the topiary bushes of a great country house garden. This powerful story has such impact for readers of any age that we are publishing it in a separate edition, with specially commissioned full colour paintings by Anthony Browne

A follow-up to the widely popular Flower Recipe Book, The Plant Recipe Book is the next great thing in interior plant design, providing simple steps showing anyone how to create stunning living plant decor. Each one of the 100 “recipes” specifies the type and quantity of plants needed; clearly numbered instructions detail each step; and 400 photographs show how to place every stem. Traditional pots and plant containers are used, but so are less conventional vehicles and methods, like shutters and planting under glass. A basic how-to chapter provides planting techniques, a tools and materials list, sourcing and plant care information, and expert advice.

This little book tells you everything you need to know about creating yourwn shaven haven but were too afraid to ask. So go on, wax to the max.