An Introduction To Hedging
Hedges are the perfect way to provide a gardens boundary,
without the need for unsightly fences. The likes of hornbeams, beeches,
holly, and hazel are all great hedging possibilities featured here.
Hedges have been used in all forms of landscaping for
literally
thousands of years. They are a single barrier of plants that can be
evergreen or deciduous, and act as a boundary. They can even be used to
pen in live stock.
A multitude of plants are available at all good garden
centres and
nurseries. Beech and Hornbeam (along with others) are very traditional
plants, and are still used by many gardeners due to being so easy to
maintain. They also act as a perfect foil to show other plants against
without endangering them. These hedges need to be clipped 3 or 4 times
a year with a set of good sharp shears, or petrol trimmers.
For something slightly different, try a twisted hazel. This
is very
informal and needn't be clipped precisely, yet still provides an
attractive barrier. It will lose leaves, but it really comes into it's
own in the winter, showing off its twisted stems.
If you want something evergreen, then alternative holly
plants are a
good start, such as variegated holly. They come in an array of colours
from greens, yellows, creams, and even whites. They might even fruit if
you are lucky. These prefer to be clipped more frequently to keep a
regular shape, perhaps pyramidal, to shed off any excess water and
snow.
Consider smaller plants that only grow to a maximum of two
feet in
height. These can just contain a border rather than the whole garden. A
traditional box hedge can be used formally or informally. Fuschia is an
option, but it must be cut down to nothing each year, ready to grow
strongly again in the following season. For something more permanent, a
berberis is dense, has prickles, retains it's structure and provides
attractive colour.
Whatever you use, make sure it suits your location, aspect,
and soil.