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Sculpting Historic Topiary at Athelhampton House and Gardens

Updated: Apr 16

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


Sophy, the head gardener, sat on a wall trimming a yew tree on the right hand side of the picture. On the left is a ladder, taller than the yew tree.
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.


Sophy, in a dark green shirt, black trousers, sunglasses, and a fluorescent yellow hard hat sat on the wall where she was trimming the topiary, facing the camera and giving a thumbs up.
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.

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