Traditional English gardens combine hedges and topiary to create year-round structure, focal points and framed views and are softened with herbaceous plants that change with the seasons. Neatly trimmed box hedge borders guide you under arches clothed with scented climbers and Roses add a touch of romance.
Here are some of our favourite ingredients to complete the look.
Topiary and hedging
- Yew hedging, balls and cones
- Box hedging, balls, cones and spirals
- Mini bay trees with twisted stems
- Bay cones
Lavender 
Box balls 
Clematis montana
Scented climbers
- Honeysuckle
- Wisteria
- Roses
Seasonal fillers to attract wildlife and soften paths
- Lavender
- Roses
- Salvia
- Nepeta
- Penstemon
- Echinacea
- Alchemilla mollis
- Heuchera
Echinacea 
Alchemilla mollis 
Salvia
Trimmed topiary specimens are generally best used in pairs to maintain some symmetry and uniformity. Yew cones are excellent for framing views, whilst various sized box balls create a foil for softer perennials and are perfect for adding structure and instant impact to the garden. Herbaceous perennials in bold drifts and varying heights and colour fill in the gaps to complete the look – borders bursting with colour and heady fragrances, busy with insects and bees <find out more>
A successful scheme requires plant knowledge and a lot of careful planning which is something our planting design experts can help with.
For further advice and ideas visit or contact The Big Plant Nursery for inspiration and ask about our ‘At Home’ Consultancy Service if you are not sure where to start.