Topiarists and horticultural professionals across the UK and Europe are invited to showcase their craftsmanship in the Henchman Topiary Awards 2025. 

Following the success of last year’s inaugural competition, garden ladder specialist Henchmanhas announced the return of its Topiary Awards – with an expansion to include entries from across Europe for the first time, marking a significant step forward in its growth. 

Launching on 20th March 2025, the Henchman Topiary Awards recognises excellence in topiary, celebrating those who demonstrate outstanding craftsmanship, creativity and passion for sculpting foliage into living works of art. The competition will once again feature two categories – Best Professional Topiary, for experienced topiarists and horticultural professionals and Best Home Garden Creation, for passionate amateur gardeners. Each category will have separate winners for the UK and Europe, with prizes up for grabs in both regions. 

In response to the overwhelming enthusiasm from 2024, Henchman has expanded the awards to include Europe’s topiary artists, offering a broader platform for talented gardeners from across the continent to showcase their work. A distinguished panel of industry experts will judge the entries, including returning judges Andy Bourke, professional topiarist and influencer better known as ‘The Hedge Barber’ and Michael Buck, Head of Horticulture at Creepers Nursery. They will be joined by new judges Petra Hoyer Millar, Editor of The Dirt News and runner up in last year's Home Gardener category, and Patrick Salembier, President of EBTS France and organiser of World Topiary Day at Levens Hall. 

The winners in each category will receive a Henchman ladder of their choice, enabling them to continue refining their craft with the best tools available. The results will be announced at RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival on Saturday 5th July 2025.

Last year’s competition saw over 75 entrants from highly skilled topiarists. Harrie Carnochan from West Sussex took first place in the Professional Gardener category for his precisely sculpted and symmetrical designs, while David Hawson from Aberdeenshire won the Home Gardener category with his intricate hedge scene of countryside and marine creatures, inspired by Moby Dick. 

Owen Simpson, Managing Director at Henchman, said: "The incredible passion and talent we saw in last year’s competition inspired us to expand the awards into Europe. Topiary is a centuries-old craft that continues to evolve, and we are excited to celebrate the professionals and home gardeners pushing the boundaries of this unique art form." 

Submissions are open from 20th March and close on 31st May 2025. Entrants can submit photographs and a brief description of their topiary work at https://www.henchman.co.uk/pages/henchman-topiary-awards.