Why plant a hedge?

Hedges make great boundaries, they’re ornamental and are good for wildlife, so what’s not to like? Camilla Phelps looks at which shrubs and trees make good hedging plants

- Camilla Phelps

WHEN it comes to garden boundaries, hedges are worth the time and effort. They are a long-term plan that will reward you with green garden walls that give you privacy, are wildlife friendly and, if you plant wisely, they will become a stunning feature in their own right.

Hedges are also the most practical solution if you want to create a windbreak – you can say goodbye to blown-down fences as hedges are very effective at filtering wind. They can be good for added security, particularly if you choose thorny specimens such as Prunus spinosa that have a dense network of thorny stems. And if you’re looking for a strong design feature, hedges offer plenty of options.

Dividing gardens into ‘rooms’

Plant a classic evergreen-like yew as a formal backdrop for a colourful perennial border. Use traditional hornbeam hedging to divide a garden space into ‘rooms’. And don’t just think of hedges as growing from the ground up – a tall hedge of pleached or standard trees is a great way to screen unsightly buildings or views.