An Introduction To Hedging

Hedges are the perfect way to provide a garden boundary without the need for unsightly fences. The likes of hornbeams, beeches, holly, and hazel are all great hedging possibilities featured here. Learn the basics of hedging through the advice of VideoJug, and be creative with those garden design ideas.

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. Consult your garden centre