2026 entries now open for Henchman Topiary Awards
2026 entries now open for Henchman Topiary Awards: Henchman, the UK’s leading garden ladder specialist, is delighted to announce that entries are now open for the 2026 Henchman Topiary Awards. Garden artists with sharp shaping skills are invited to submit their topiary masterpieces online by 12th April 2026 for the opportunity to showcase their craftsmanship and take home some fantastic prizes including the iconic Henchman Tripod Ladder, enabling topiary artists to work safely on their creations.
Launched in 2024, the Henchman Topiary Awards celebrate the art of topiary and recognise professionals and home gardeners who are passionate about creating living sculptures.
2026 entries now open for Henchman Topiary Awards
The awards feature two categories: Best Professional Topiary for seasoned topiarists and horticultural professionals, and Best Home Garden Creation for creative gardeners and enthusiasts who have mastered topiary in their own green spaces.
Entries for both categories are judged on skill, including how well the concept is executed, the difficulty involved, and the entrant’s technical ability; along with attention to detail taking into account neatness of the clipping, symmetry, clarity of form and how easily the form can be identified; and finally creativity, considering originality, aesthetic impact, and the effective use of elements like texture or colour.
Professional category entrants will also be judged on their knowledge of the plant type and its condition, the tools used, and the longevity of the topiary.
Returning to the expert judging panel for 2026 are professional topiarist and online influencer Andy Bourke, aka The Hedge Barber; Michael Buck, Head of Horticulture at Creepers Nursery; Petra Hoyer Millar, editor of The Dirt News; and Patrick Salembier, President of EBTS France.
Last year the competition was expanded to include multiple countries and attracted an array of entrants from across the UK and Europe who demonstrated incredible precision, creativity and artistry in topiary.
Taking top honours in the 2025 UK professional category was Chris Reeve from Suffolk. His whimsical living sculpture – a giant work boot – forms part of a playful trail of topiary creations that he began in 2003. “It was so good to receive an award for something I
enjoy so much,” said Chris. “It’s encouraging that the topiary really made the grade with the judges and proves so joyful to many of our visitors at Helmingham Hall.”
First prize in the Home Gardener Category went to Paul Everden from Norfolk with an intricate topiary garden centred around a 17th century farmhouse that he has nurtured for over 35 years, showcasing incredible skill and dedication. Paul says that he entered the Henchman Topiary Awards with no hope of winning and was delighted to receive the Home Gardener trophy. “I am honoured to be among such a prestigious group of gardeners with a love for box and topiary. The whole process was special and the best bit was the fabulous ladder as a prize from Henchman. Just growing my next entry!”
In the Europe division, France proved to be a top topiary contender. The award for the 2025 professional category went to Cédric Bronnimann for his exceptional work at the Château du Grand Jardin in Haute-Marne. Home gardener François Vandaneon impressed the judges with his imaginative boxwood and yew topiary that depicts Jeanne de Belleville’s boat sailing from a wall.
Clare Lenaghan-Balmer, Head of Marketing at Henchman, comments: “Each year, the Henchman Topiary Awards uncover remarkable creativity, talent and dedication from gardeners across the UK and Europe. Last year’s submissions demonstrated extraordinary imagination and skill, ranging from storybook-inspired sculptures and abstract creations, to masterfully maintained classic topiary. We are honoured to recognise the artists who have often dedicated decades to their creations, and we can’t wait to see the imagination and skill that 2026’s entrants will bring.”
To enter the 2026 Henchman Topiary Awards, select the relevant category at www.henchman.co.uk/pages/henchman-topiary-awards and submit photographs or videos of your topiary creation along with a short summary.
Winners will be announced on Saturday 23rd May 2026 at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London. UK winners will be invited to attend the event and receive their trophy and Henchman prizes in person.
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