GROWING HEALTHY TOPIARY

Growing small seedlings which will be ready to plant out in approximately three years will keep costs down. Topiary takes approximately seven years to shape up nicely with cutting. Thereafter, it will simply grow in size. Topiary should be trimmed when there is an ‘R’ in the month, except March and April, when birds start to nest inside yew and box. With the threat of box blight and the Asiatic box moth swirling, it is vital to keep box plants healthy. Approximately every six weeks, Charlotte makes up a foliar spray consisting of diluted, naturally occurring bacteria, whey obtained from the local dairy, and comfrey tea. A proprietary feed recommended for box hedges should be applied during the year, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Boxes and yews are happy growing in full sun or dappled shade, as long as they are located in well-drained soil. Helpful information on mature topiary and cloud hedging can be found at www.earlstoneboxandtopiary.co.uk, and general information can also be sought via the European Boxwood & Topiary Society at ebts.org.