This summer, RHS Garden Wisley’s Old Laboratory will host On The Hedge, a striking new photographic exhibition that delves into our relationship with hedges and topiary.
From their role in shaping our landscapes and homes to their environmental benefits, the exhibition offers a fresh perspective on these often overlooked natural boundaries through the lens of the architectural photographer.
Running from 13th June to 28th September, On The Hedge will showcase work from over 30 photographers alongside a special commission for RHS Wisley by photographer Anna Kroeger, who is using materials from hedges and shrubs themselves to process and tone her photographs in a more eco-friendly way than traditional analogue photography.
Curated by architectural photographer Gareth Gardner, the exhibition emerged from an open call for hedge and topiary photography in 2024 that drew an overwhelming response from artists in the UK and overseas. Following an acclaimed showcase at London’s Gareth Gardner Gallery, this expanded collection at RHS Wisley will introduce new works and take inspiration from the RHS’ own research into hedges.
Gareth Gardner, Curator and architectural photographer, said: “The response to last year’s show was absolutely astonishing, with so many visitors confessing to a secret passion for hedge photography; it was like a self-help group for topiary obsessives. I’m very excited to bring this revised collection of works to RHS Wisley, where the setting itself is a testament to the beauty and importance of cultivated landscapes. This expanded exhibition not only showcases incredible photographic talent but also highlights the vital role hedges play in our ecosystems and everyday surroundings.”
Dr Suzanne Moss, RHS Director of Learning and Public Engagement, said: “We are thrilled to be hosting On the Hedge at RHS Garden Wisley later this year. The exhibition represents a different and delightful perspective of a horticultural classic through the eyes of photographers and encourages our visitors to look at hedges and topiary in a very different light.”
Fiona Davison, RHS Head of Libraries and Exhibitions, said: “Hedges have long been an essential part of our landscapes - both rural and urban - offering shelter, structure and privacy as well as boosting biodiversity. This display highlights both their ecological value and their deep-rooted presence in our culture and imagination.”
The wide range of hedges depicted in the exhibition – from boundaries, to screens, to artworks in themselves - reflects the RHS’ ‘Your Space, Your Story’ theme for 2025, which celebrates the individuality of all gardeners and how gardens can bring to life our greatest loves.
The RHS has and continues to research the eco system service role of hedges – from their ability capture particulate matter, reduce noise pollution and provide an important home for wildlife. For more information visit here.
Access to the exhibition is included with the cost of garden entry and there will be an associated programme of garden tours and talks.
