It's such work, getting the bushes into shape! (7)
I believe the answer is:
topiary
'shape' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how one could define the other.
'it's such work getting the bushes' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'work' could be 'op' (operation, work done in an operating theatre) and 'op' is found within the answer.
'the' could be 't' (the is pronounced as a 't' sound in some dialects) and 't' is found within the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'into' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for topiary that I've seen before include "fancy hedging?" , "Getting garden into shape" , "Art of shaping trees and shrubs" , "Gardening skill" , "I pray to find ornamental shrub clipping" .)