Box and privet are also good for “blobby” shapes such as cloud topiary, a Japanese form also known as Niwaki, which is currently all the rage and involves shaping a tree or bush to resemble ...

Of course, how easy your topiary is to work with at this point of the year will depend on the type of evergreen shrub you have opted for. Popular choices include box, holly and privet. Topiary ...

There is an interesting type of Ligustrum tree which is ideal for growing in containers. It has lovely golden leaves, and can be pruned to control its growth.