ABOUT TOPIARY

Topiary comes in many different shapes & sizes. Some are traditional some quirky.

The Latin word for a landscape gardener is topiarus from which the word topiary is derived. Topiary is often defined as 'the art of shaping trees and shrubs into ornamental forms by clipping and training.' The origins of the word encourage the view that it is much more than that and yet topiary and plant sculpture, whilst featuring in the grandest gardens of the past, is available for the smaller gardens of today

From ancient writings it has been established that topiary has been practised for at least 2,000 years. In Roman Britain clipped box was used in the villas of the rich, often spelling the name of the master or topiarist or as edging for complex patterns, defining the various sections of the garden. During the Middle Ages, after the Romans had left, topiary seems to have been confined mainly to monasteries and plants were often trained and clipped into simple shapes on withy frames. The first real topiary revival took place in early Renaissance Italy but, in Britain, it wasn't until Tudor times under Henry VIII that interest was developed again. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I and until the reign of Queen Anne in the 18th century, it became really popular. From simple topiary shapes - spheres and cones for example - to complex human figures, animals, porticoes, temples, vases, urns; almost any plant was subject to experiment but particularly box, rosemary and juniper. Hampton Court Palace was noted for such work at this time. Knot gardens and parterres featuring thrift, hyssop, lavender, germander and thyme, together with mazes, were fashionable in the gardens of large country houses and many examples still exist today such as Hever Castle in Kent. It wasn't until the 18th century that many other evergreens such as holly, yew, bay, laurel and phillyrea were used to a greater extent. However, by the second half of the same century, topiary was regarded as old-fashioned or in bad taste and the art stagnated for nearly 100 years. The Victorians, as in so many things, became enthusiasts and with improved communications, the exchange of ideas and the expansion of trade, new techniques and plants were imported.

The social changes brought about following two world wars, such as the break-up of large estates, did not encourage further development of topiary in the first half of the 20th century. However, with more people owning their own homes, a better knowledge of the craft, a wider choice of plants, including many deciduous types and tools which make for ease of maintenance, topiary and plant sculpture is again enhancing increasing numbers of gardens.

PUBLIC & TRADE

General Terms of Business

1. Prices shown on the website are inclusive of vat at the appropriate rate unless otherwise stated.
2. Prices and sizes shown on the website were correct at the time they were entered onto the website. However the current prices and sizes may differ as the stock is constantly changing and so are the prices.
3. Although we are able to arrange delivery to all parts of the UK, the prices on the website do not include delivery or any packing costs. A separate charge will be applied for delivery, please ask for details.
4. We accept orders by post, telephone, facsimile and email. We may ask for a deposit or advance payment before proceeding with your order.
5. Payment for invoices must be received within 28 days from the date of invoice.
6. Payment can be made by cash, cheque, credit or debit cards and BACS
7. We reserve the right to charge interest on all overdue accounts, and will use the courts to recover unpaid/outstanding amounts.
8. All items leave the nursery in good condition and with sufficient packing to assist safe transit. Goods must be checked before the carriers note is signed and any damage must be notified to the carrier at time of delivery. Rights to compensation will be forfeited if goods are signed for as ‘unchecked’.
9. Customers become liable for all carriage charges once their order has left the nursery.
10. We are able to supply plants to countries within the E.U. Please ask for details.
11. All goods remain the property of the Romantic Garden Nursery until paid for in full.

Information for wholesale customers

Our general terms of business apply but in addition we ask you to also note and abide by the following points:

1. Orders must be confirmed in writing, by post, facsimile on headed paper or email, and we may ask for a deposit.
2. A discount will be offered from our normal retail price, please ask for details.
3. Any prices quoted will normally be excluding vat and ex nursery.
4. Invoices must be paid within 28 days of date of issue
5. Payment can be made by cash, cheque, debit card or BACS. Credit card payments are not accepted for wholesale invoices.
6. We reserve the right to charge interest on all overdue accounts and will use the courts to recover unpaid invoices.
7. All goods remain the property of The Romantic Garden Nursery until paid for in full.