The electric hedge trimmers will make fast work of the project but need a little getting used to for small jobs like the box. Easy to get carried away or make an unfortunate pass :-) Sculpting them into balls is easier than squares and would suit the theme of the circular garden better.

you might want to do it my hand ... it might take you longer ... but you will learn...

and not have to hoik around 200 feet of extension cord... and a machine that may not be easy for you to use.. weightwise ... and of course there is always the issue of giving hubby a power tool.. and telling him to go after your precious ... lol ... and nothing is as exciting as shearing your cord in your exuberance .... lol ...

a good pair of hand pruners is worth their weight in gold.. compared to the wallyworld $2 pair ... invest in some.. i have had my same felco's for 25 odd years...

ken

If not using electric hedge clippers I'd use shears rather than secateurs (hand pruners). Much quicker and easier to get a uniform finish. Because the leaves are so small cutting them in half is not a problem as it is with larger leafed evergreens. Or you could use sheep shears. They're still sold for this purpose despite the advent of electric shears for the woolly job and sometimes called topiary shears. You can use them with one hand which is useful. topiary shears

You Ken and floral_uk The sheep shears sound perfect. I'm also a clean freak and hate the tiny trimmings around the base when I'm done so I lay down old bed sheets to collect the fallen leaves! We fell in love with meticulously groomed boxwoods while on vacation in Croatia.

I LOVE sheep shears!! The best gardening tool I own :-)