EBTS Learn To Clip Course at Waltham Place 2026

In September EBTS returned once again to Waltham Place, that brilliant and wild garden and biodynamic farm in Maidenhead, to teach a Learn to Clip course.

 

Students learn about the tools needed for topiary, and get to try out many different shears, secateurs and hand clippers provided by tool makers such as ARS and Niwaki, amongst others.

 

When students have learnt what tools work best for topiary and how to care for them (clean and sharp! always keep them clean and sharp!) they discover the foundation of any topiary practise – technique, and how to be as fast and economical as possible in order to get the job done well.

 

They then go on and practise on two types of hedge – lonicera then boxwood, and at Waltham Place this boxwood students clip is the famous caterpillar hedge of boxwood designed by garden designer Henk Gerritsen.

 

To see more of Waltham Place, see episode 10 from the latest series of Gardeners’ World.

 

In 2027, EBTS will be returning to Waltham Place to teach two Learn To Clip topiary courses on Friday September 10th – see the Waltham Place website for details and get your name on the pre-booking list, as the waiting list is always long if you miss your chance to book!

 

For people with some experience of clipping, EBTS also have a small fund to pay a student to shadow Darren and Chris who teach the Learn To Clip course. If you wish to put yourself forward to both learn to clip and learn to teach clipping, email EBTS and we can chat with you about a paid placement.