Quercus ilex ‘Niwaki’ (Holm Oak Niwaki)

English grown Niwaki from Somerset. All the trees we have available were grown and skilfully wrought over many years by the undisputed Niwaki Meister of English Topiary - Jake Hobson. Apart from being very beautiful they have the distinct advantage of being suitable for almost any aspect - sun, shade, soil, wind and even the occasional salt blast from being near (but maybe not too near) the sea.

The first photo is of them in their birth place near Yeovil but the other two photos were a (very) surprising row in the middle of the high street in Trébeurden in Brittany. These had clearly been created from Evergreen Oaks that had been in this position for some time. We have no idea who the talented jardinier might be but there are several more travaux en cours both in Trébeurden and nearby Lannion. Interesting eh?

N.B. When clipping several plants with the same tool, have a bucket containing a 5% bleach solution and swish your blades around for 30 seconds between plants to sterilise them. This will help avoid the chance of cross contamination of disease.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.