Hedges
Question:
I am looking to put (high) hedges around my garden (I currently have fences that have fallen down). Can you please advice on a good sturdy hedge, and advise the correct procedure for planting. I have no gardening experience at all, and am at a loss.
Answer:
There are many types of hedges available to you but the one I would avoid at all costs is Leylandii. It is very tempting to use this plant as it grows very quickly but it also grows to an amazing height and becomes unmanageable very quickly and it also does not stay green once you have cut into the old wood. However, as I say there are lots of others to choose from. I have attached a link to my section on hedges which gives you an overview of planting requirements but it also has a link to Crocus.co.uk which has a really good set of articles on hedges. Go to my link: http://gardeningregister.co.uk/NonProductPages/Articles/types_of_plants.htm#Hedges Then under hedges click the crocus link. Once at crocus type hedges into their "find more info" box. This brings up a list of hedging plants which they sell but further down the page there are a number of articles to help you. They compare the different hedge types with height, planting distances, pruning requirements, etc. There are even articles by Alan Titchmarsh. To make your choice easier there is a section which helps you choose a hedge depending on whether you want fast growing, evergreen, deciduous or flowering. My personal favourite evergreen hedge is Yew (Taxus), although it is slow growing it is a lovely deep green and easy to prune. Another favourite is Beech (Fagus) which retains its dead leaves during the winter so takes on a copper colour. A similar plant to Beech is Hornbeam (Carpinus); this has the same characteristics but likes heavy, wet soil. Both these will quickly reach about 8ft in height.
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