Topiary is the practice of trimming and pruning trees and shrubs into clearly defined and fanciful shapes. As an art form, it is a type of living sculpture, and its practice in Europe dates from Roman times.

Featured in this issue of Pleasant Place are a history of topiary and the changing views of nature by botanical philosopher Norbert Peeters; a conversation with Chris Crowder, head gardener of the celebrated topiary gardens at Levens Hall; the ancient Japanese tradition of ‘niwaki’, or sculpting trees; a glimpse of topiary’s future by artist Rustan Söderling; centrefold miniatures by Andrei Pacea, and more.

‘Pleasant Place’ is a growing collection of publications about the art of gardening.

Topiary is the practice of trimming and pruning trees and shrubs into clearly defined and fanciful shapes. As an art form, it is a type of living sculpture, and its practice in Europe dates from Roman times.

Featured in this issue of Pleasant Place are a history of topiary and the changing views of nature by botanical philosopher Norbert Peeters; a conversation with Chris Crowder, head gardener of the celebrated topiary gardens at Levens Hall; the ancient Japanese tradition of ‘niwaki’, or sculpting trees; a glimpse of topiary’s future by artist Rustan Söderling; centrefold miniatures by Andrei Pacea, and more.

‘Pleasant Place’ is a growing collection of publications about the art of gardening.