Sculpting Historic Topiary at Athelhampton House and Gardens

In the gardens at Athelhampton, our ancient yews aren’t just trees - they’re living architecture.

Precise work being carried out to maintain fabulous topiary

Each summer, our hardworking gardeners climb, clip, and shape the 12 towering topiary pyramids and other yews into their iconic forms. It’s slow, patient work, often at height, with a few places where a ladder just won’t reach — though always done following strict health and safety procedures.

Challenging but rewarding work for the Gardening team!

The results are timeless. Next time you visit, enjoy the bold green sculptures of our historic topiary at Athelhampton, trimmed with skill and dedication year after year.

Athelhampton is open everyday, as an RHS Partner Garden we accept the RHS membership card on Saturdays.