Set to launch on the 20th March 2024, the awards have been designed to celebrate the art of topiary and recognise those who demonstrate exceptional skill, creativity, and passion in shaping and maintaining incredible living sculptures.

The competition has two categories: (1) Best professional topiary artist and (2) Best home garden creation. Individuals of all backgrounds and skill levels are encouraged to enter their favourite pieces of work.

The works will be judged on skill, creativity and attention to detail, by an esteemed panel of horticultural and topiary experts;

Elizabeth Hilliard, Editor of European Boxwood and Topiary Society (EBTS) magazine Topiarus. Elizabeth Hilliard is a long-time member of the European Boxwood and Topiary Society (EBTS) and has been the editor of TOPIARIUS since 2022. She has written for a wide range of national publications and is the author of many books on interior decoration and the decorative arts.
Michael Buck, Head of Horticulture at Creepers Nursery. Michael Buck stumbled into the world of horticulture whilst finding a balance with his passion for football. Having now spent many years working in the industry, building up a repertoire of skills, he has worked on many nurseries and garden projects and has since become the Head of Horticulture at Creepers Nursery.
Andy Bourke, professional topiarist and better known as The Hedge Barber. Andy Bourke has worked in horticulture for over 10 years and is a professional hedge cutter and topiary artist. Using traditional hand cutting methods, Bourke has worked on small intricate topiary designs as well as larger, organic shapes. Andy is better known online at The Hedge Barber – creating aesthetically pleasing videos of his topiary creations.
Owen Simpson, Managing Director at Henchman. Having worked at Henchman for many years, Owen Simpson is no stranger to hedge cutting, topiary and working safely at heights. Being a keen gardener himself, he is excited to be involved in celebrating topiary artists across the country which will hopefully inspire a new generation of topiary artists and gardeners.

The winners will be announced at this year’s RHS Hampton Court Flower Festival, where the winners of each category will receive a trophy, Henchman tripod ladder, ARS Shears, an annual membership to the European Boxwood and Topiary Society and a day trip for two to one of the European Boxwood & Topiary Society’s (EBTS) day-long garden trips.

Owen Simpson, Managing Director of Henchman said: “We are excited to announce the launch of the Henchman Topiary Awards and showcase the best creations in the world of topiary from across the country. Topiary has been an important part of British gardening for centuries, and we hope that the awards will not only shine a light on those talented individuals who create topiary but also inspire the next generation of gardeners to try their hand at the art.”

To enter, complete the entry form, submit photographs and include a summary of your best piece of topiary before the closing date, 31st May 2024.