Hedging Plants - Planting

Hedging Plants - Planting

Hedging plants are an important aspect for the environment as they provide some privacy, define boundary areas, screening, and a great source of food for wildlife.  Selecting the right hedge for your garden is a delicate process which will help you define lines, space, need, use, height and structure for the garden.

Hedges can be formal or informal and just left to grow naturally.  Many traditional hedgerow schemes are made up of a mixture of different plants able to provide a diverse need such as hazel, hawthorn, rose, crab apple.  One of the best way to plant a hedge is using bareroot plants in winter and early spring.  Container plants or potted plants can be planted at any time of the year, but are usually more expensive. 

Careful consideration should be taken when choosing what is needed for your hedge.  Consider the height required, evergreen or semi evergreen or deciduous, ease of maintenance, flowers, or berries or thorns.  Check the type of soil you have, and the climate.  Other things to consider is whether the site is exposed, badly drained, near the seaside, or limited in space.  If you are not sure, a quick look at neighbouring gardens will give you the best idea for the type of hedge required.

Hedging plants require good soil preparation.  A good survey of the location site should account for waterlogged areas, dry, shade, under trees.  Newly planted hedges need plenty of water regularly and if the area is exposed they may require some protection to help the plants establish.