On a dead-end road in London's Islington district, Tim Bushe takes on the hedges of the neighborhood, turning them into art. It all began 15 years ago, when Bushe decided to help his neighbor, who struggled to trim his own hedge. After that, Bushe’s wife Philippa demanded that he carve a cat into the bush outside their front window (pictured above). The couple met as teenagers at art school and were together for 47 years before Philippa died of breast cancer about 7 years ago. Bushe, who works as an architect, said he has carried on with his topiary art in honor of his wife, who gave him the idea. The father of 3 has transformed hedges all around his home into elephants, a fish, a hippo, and a squirrel. The hedges aren't just tourist attractions, however. With each commission, Bushe raises money for various charities, many of them environmental. His first mission was to raise money for an organization that cares for his sister, who has Down syndrome. Bushe said he enjoys seeing the results of his hobby making people smile, and he acknowledged the coincidence of his name so accurately referencing his passion. He said to him it feels less like a coincidence and more like destiny.
Why A London Man Named Bushe Is On a Mission To Turn His Neighbors' Hedges Into Art
On a dead-end road in London's Islington district, Tim Bushe takes on the hedges of the neighborhood, turning them into art. It all began 15 years ago, when Bushe decided to help his neighbor, who struggled to trim his own hedge. After that, Bushe’s wife Philippa demanded that he carve a cat into the bush outside their front window (pictured above). The couple met as teenagers at art school and were together for 47 years before Philippa died of breast cancer about 7 years ago. Bushe, who works as an architect, said he has carried on with his topiary art in honor of his wife, who gave him the idea. The father of 3 has transformed hedges all around his home into elephants, a fish, a hippo, and a squirrel. The hedges aren't just tourist attractions, however. With each commission, Bushe raises money for various charities, many of them environmental. His first mission was to raise money for an organization that cares for his sister, who has Down syndrome. Bushe said he enjoys seeing the results of his hobby making people smile, and he acknowledged the coincidence of his name so accurately referencing his passion. He said to him it feels less like a coincidence and more like destiny.