Henchman Topiary Awards 2026: Meet the Winners
From left to right: Adam Wilson, Brigette Wilson, Jonathan Duncan, Paul Walton
The art of topiary took centre stage on 23rd May 2026 at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, as the winners of the third annual Henchman Topiary Awards were announced for the very first time at Chelsea, hosted within The Children’s Society Garden – a Gold medal-winning show garden.
Launched in 2024 by leading garden ladder specialist Henchman, the awards celebrate the creativity, craftsmanship and dedication of professional topiarists and passionate home gardeners across the UK and Europe. Now in its third year, the competition continues to grow in scale and reputation, showcasing the remarkable artistry behind living sculpture.
Across both Professional Gardener and Home Gardener categories, this year’s submissions demonstrated a rich mix of styles – from precisely clipped formal parterres and historic garden restorations to cloud-pruned forms, whimsical animals and imaginative sculptural pieces.
A notable theme this year was the number of deeply personal and heartfelt entries. Many creations were shaped over decades, or inspired by loved ones, pets and meaningful life moments, highlighting how topiary can be both an art form and a lasting tribute.
A growing celebration of topiary across Europe
The 2026 awards saw an increase in both the volume and diversity of entries, with a surge in submissions from France and Belgium, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for topiary across mainland Europe. Entries ranged from traditional architectural hedging and historic restorations to playful, contemporary designs and personal creations.
Expert Judging Panel
Entries were assessed by a panel of respected horticultural experts:
Andy Bourke (The Hedge Barber) – Professional topiarist and influencer
Michael Buck – Head of Horticulture at Creepers Nursery
Petra Hoyer Millar – Editor of The Dirt News
Patrick Salembier – President of EBTS France
Judging criteria included skill, attention to detail, creativity and (for professionals) plant knowledge and longevity.
Commenting on this year’s entries, the judges said:
Petra Hoyer Millar: “The standard in the UK is phenomenal, the professional category especially had so many brilliantly original entries this year.”
Andy Bourke: “Some very good entries this year and it has been great to see all professionals and home owners really showcasing their work!”
Michael Buck: “There were some truly exquisite entries this year. What an absolute joy it was to see those and to see what else people have created.”
Patrick Salembier: “I am very happy with the Henchman Topiary Awards which perfectly complements the World Topiary Days we organise every year. The participating gardens are more and more interesting and numerous.”
2026 Winners
UK – Professional Gardener Category
1st Place: Paul Walton & Jonathan Duncan
Paul and Jonathan’s winning entry celebrates the remarkable restoration of the historic Biddulph Grange ‘garden of rooms’, originally created in the mid-19th century. Their work reflects decades of careful revival, bringing back intricate yew hedging lost during its time as a hospital site. Maintained with precision over a 10–12 week annual cutting period, the garden stands as a masterclass in heritage restoration and long-term horticultural dedication, with each hedge meticulously reinstated to honour the original design.
2nd place: Owen Vaughan
Owen Vaughan impressed the judges with a striking topiary scheme nearing 30 years in age, set across a slope. Carefully maintained over the past six years, the planting uses graduated heights to create a visually level ‘tabletop’ effect, showcasing exceptional precision and control.
Highly commended: Owen Vaughan & Neil Frame
Also recognised was Owen and his colleague Neil Frame’s imaginative ‘Great Wave’ topiary at Asthall Manor, inspired by Hokusai’s iconic artwork. This dynamic, sculptural piece transforms yew into a powerful flowing form, demonstrating both artistic ambition and technical skill.
UK – Home Gardener Category
1st Place: Brigette Wilson
Brigette Wilson’s winning garden is the result of 29 years of dedication, featuring a beautifully structured landscape with a yew avenue, box parterre and over 100 clipped spheres. Entirely self-taught, her work reflects a deep passion for topiary, drawing inspiration from some of the UK’s most iconic gardens while showcasing consistency, scale and incredible craftsmanship across the entire space.
2nd place: Keith Edwards
Keith Edwards’ entry tells the story of a garden built from scratch since 1994, transforming a blank plot into a richly detailed topiary parterre. Using over 1,000 box plants and a carefully planned design of curves and geometric beds, the garden has become a long-standing labour of love and a widely admired local feature.
Highly commended: Steve Roberts
Steve Roberts was recognised for his evolving courtyard garden, where a mix of yew, box and privet creates year-round structure. Complemented by planting, water features and contemporary materials, the design balances traditional topiary with a modern aesthetic.
Europe – Professional Gardener Category
Winner: Jane de la Celle
Jane de la Celle’s winning entry showcases a century-old topiary garden featuring around 100 sculpted yews. Recognised as a “jardin remarquable” and awarded a Michelin accolade, the garden represents the pinnacle of European topiary tradition, with meticulous maintenance preserving both its historical integrity and visual impact.
Europe – Home Gardener Category
Winner: Alain Soulier
Alain Soulier’s enchanting garden transforms a historic 16th-century Alsatian farm into a series of immersive topiary ‘rooms’. Inspired by The Three Musketeers, the yew sculptures represent characters from the novel, blending storytelling with formal design. The result is a unique, narrative-driven garden that combines heritage, imagination and craftsmanship.
Henchman Choice Award
Winner: Joëlle van den Haselkamp
Joëlle’s charming topiary bear, grown from randomly planted cuttings in a challenging location, captured the Henchman team’s attention. Shaped over time with patience and determination, the small but characterful piece is a testament to creativity, perseverance and the joy of shaping something unexpected into life.
Celebrating talent in topiary
Jo Stewart, Marketing Manager at Henchman, commented:
“We’re honoured to showcase the remarkable talent represented in the Henchman Topiary Awards, highlighting the originality, dedication and passion behind these living creations.
“This year’s entries demonstrated not only exceptional technical skill, but also the personal stories behind many creations. From intricate formal designs to imaginative sculptures inspired by people, animals and memories, the level of creativity has been truly inspiring.
“It’s exciting to see the awards attracting more international interest, particularly from across Europe, and we look forward to continuing to champion the art of topiary in the years to come.”
