The Maze is said to have evolved from the Knot Garden, where shrubs and small trees such as Yew or Beech were planted as hedging to replace the use of dwarf box or Lavender as a parterre plant in their construction. These larger parterres are known as Hedge Mazes. There are several examples which are open to the public such as in the Castlewellan Forest Park estate and Dunbrody Abbey Co. Wexford.
From a historic garden restoration aspect you are more likely to encounter the Maze as a remnant in need of re-establishment, a new garden feature or part of an original plan of the garden from the past than an actual Maze which has been maintained down the years.
Establishment can take several years depending on the hedging plants chosen. Often the most difficult part of their establishment is the commitment to their ongoing maintenance by way of hedge-cutting, which is why they are normally more of a public amenity these days.