Laid up with a ghastly bug yesterday, I spent the day moaning, encouraging my 10-month-old to entertain herself, and watching the Chelsea Flower Show on tv. I perked up when talk turned to topiary – here are the large chess pieces in Cleve West’s Brewin Dolphin Garden, which won Best Show Garden.

To be honest, if I was going to do it in my postage-stamp-sized garden I’d want something to make a bigger impact, maybe cause some car swerving. Like a peacock…

Or a flamingo.

And yes, why not a couple of pineapples?

But, I definitely draw the line at initials.

How do you feel about topiary when one doesn’t have grounds? Too much?