Alternatively, use this wildlife-friendly plant to line ... For a low-maintenance topiary plant, opt to grow Ilex crenata ...

Traditionally popular plants for topiary in the UK are box (Buxus sempervirens ... buy in if you already have box in your garden, and use a fungicidal spray in the early stage of an attack ...

Topiary specimens look good in wooden half barrels or funky metal pots. Fill pots with fresh peat-free multi-purpose compost or if you're growing shrubs or long-term plants, use a soil-based John ...