Photo: Wild Seed Project. English Holly (Ilex aquifolium) English holly, with its prickly leaves, makes a better hedge plant than … Plant them next to driveways, paths, or mowed lawn to keep their horizontal growth in check. Prune deciduous plants to encourage bushy growth to develop from low down. Privet is a robust, hardy hedging plant that grows virtually anywhere. Please, Regenerative Solutions for Resilient Landscapes, see Wild Seed Project’s publication on bloom times for pollinator support, see Wild Seed’s blog post on native groundcovers, More Edible and Landscape-Worthy Native Plants of New England, PEST ALERT: Pitch Canker on White Pine. Holly. Each author appearing herein retains original copyright. These shade-loving species also spread from their root system, so to maintain your ideal hedge depth, you will need to contain via edging, paving, or mowing. This is typically from mid-autumn until late winter In all cases, planting is best delayed until the soil can be worked easily, especially if the ground is frozen or waterlogged. The height of a hedge depends on its purpose. Using secateurs, remove dead wood and cut thick branches to 10 cm below desired height. Many factors must be considered when selecting a hedge plant. For hedgerows in shady areas such as under tree canopies or next to a building, here are some recommended woody plants: Plant these shrubs with a groundcover of herbaceous ferns and wildflowers (see Wild Seed’s blog post on native groundcovers). Eco-Answers from the Pros: Do I Need Mulch with Groundcover. Living hedges of native shrubs may take different forms. Plant the Podocarpus (Japanese yew pine) shrubs about 2 feet (60 cm) apart and trim them regularly to create a hedgerow. Scarification is the process of reducing or breaking the seed coat so that moisture can penetrate and the embryo can begin the germination process. England was once famous for its beautiful hedgerows, many of them in existence since medieval times. Whether you are looking for a steely blue groundcover or a tall tree for a fast-growing privacy hedge, junipers fit the bill. Though specific directions vary for the plants you purchase, knowing your growing zone is an important first step. This creates a tremendous amount of habitat and leaves little space for opportunistic weeds to grow. We can subsidise up to 75% of the cost if you plant more than 100 metres of new hedging and allow a large tree to grow every six metres. The goal is not a uniform look, but instead a diverse planting of at least a dozen species of woody plants, from shrubs to small trees, along with herbaceous groundcovers at their base, all chosen with similar demands of soil type, moisture, and sunlight. With regular trimming, the Podocarpus shrubs become a beautiful formal soft hedge with thick, dense growth. Sheffields Seed Company offers 1000s of quality seed for sale varieties with fast worldwide shipping Phone 315 4971058 Fax 315 4971059 Email seedsheffields.com A 1 m barrier hedge should be expected to have a mature width of 1 m. If a hedge is to be the property boundary, it should be planted .75-1 m from the property line to allow for the hedge to spread and still be maintained on one property. For a shady location, an outstanding shrub with a more orderly look is leatherwood (Dirca palustris), which grows from the ground with a single stem and tidy, distinctive low branches. Tall spindly deciduous plants should not be used unless they are cut back to about 15 cm from the ground. Determine the Width of the Hedge. The Green Revolution of the mid- to late-twentieth century, which greatly expanded agricultural production in the British countryside, mostly eliminated this landscape feature, causing a significant number of British plant and animal species to disappear. Seeds planted indoors in peat, pots covered with transparent plastic cups, gave 95% of success. Shrubs add three-dimensional diversity to a landscape and provide important year-round habitat for fauna such as birds, pollinating insects, and other small creatures. Caring for Your Hedges Water the hedge once per week until the soil is completely saturated. Most evergreen hedges are best sheared before the spring growth period is complete in about mid-July. There are several advantages to using quality nursery grown hedge stock as opposed to wild stock. For a hedge 20 m long, 1m3 of mulch and 2 kg of fertilizer are sufficient. Cut back hawthorn, blackthorn and privet to 30cm high, and just lightly prune other deciduous hedging – evergreens won’t need pruning yet – then water thoroughly. Replacing paving or lawn with a hedge of just 30 feet long by 2.5 feet wide will create 75 square feet of native ground cover, plus the above ground growth of the woody branches. Hedges are sheared to promote new thick growth and to provide a smooth dense foliage surface. Right to reproduce or disseminate all material herein, including to Columbia University Library’s CAUSEWAY Project, is otherwise reserved by ELA. Avoid plants with very thin growth or few branches at the base because conifers are unable to develop new growth from old wood and bare spots may never fill in properly. The size, shape and texture of a hedge is determined by the architecture of the buildings nearby, the effect to be created as well as the purpose of the hedge. Wet soils with sunny conditions have a range of excellent options: Lastly, for a hedgerow in sunny dry, sandy, or gravelly soil, here are some larger shrubs and trees to be added to the smaller, dry soil-loving species mentioned earlier: Whether you plant a small hedge with one or two species, or a large hedgerow, these living fences will expand habitat on your property, creating corridors for wildlife and for beauty. Deciduous hedges: Plant beech, hawthorn and hornbeam any time from leaf fall. There is less competition between plants and they are easier to trim and care for in the future. Plant spacing for hedges vary with plant species and the desired mature height of the hedge. Plant closely and clip for a manicured hedge. Deciduous hedges that do not flower or flower late in the summer are best pruned during the dormant period in the spring while spring flowering hedges should be pruned after bloom period. Photo: Wild Seed Project. A privacy hedge should be 150-200 cm high. Trim the top and sides of a hedge at least once a year until it reaches its mature height. 46 cm between plants is correct for most hedges. Lavandula Augustifolia, or hardy lavender, belongs to the mint family and is an exceptionally fragrant flowering plant that features green foliage, square stems, and flower spikes that are various shades of purple and sometimes white. Hedges should also be wider at the base than at the top so foliage on the sides of the hedge receives sufficient light to manufacture food; otherwise a poor hedge results. Do not allow a hedge to grow rapidly to its desired height before trimming or it will develop a thick top and open sides. … Photo: Wild Seed Project, Multispecies Hedgerows Yield Bigger Ecological Benefits. Tall hedges can have coarser textured leaves and twigs which make an area appear smaller. Berries also add colour to a landscape, often in the duller months of the year. Evergreen hedges recover slowly from a severe cutting back and usually it is better to remove an old hedge completely and plant again. Also, there are several petite native shrubs that can create beautiful hedges for smaller spaces. Get ecological news and event updates in your inbox. Use … Where necessary, protect the plants from rabbits or deer using spiral guards around the stem. Once a hedge has attained its mature height, trim back close to the base of the current season's growth so it is allowed to grow only 3-5 cm in height and width each year. Imagine if all our landscapes, from the urban to the rural, were connected via a network of hedgerows. Hedges of bright green, golden or grayish foliage make a stronger impression than hedges of dark or mid green. For tall hedges, particularly evergreen screens or windbreaks, plants should be spaced 60 to 90 cm apart. Two year old deciduous plants with extensive branching make good hedge plants. Includes advice and guidance on planting. For extremely dry, sandy, or gravelly soil in full sun (where the Asian rugosa rose is often the traditional choice), there are many lower stature native shrubs to choose from: bayberry (Morella caroliniensis), New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americana), sweet-fern (Comptonia peregrina), wild rose (Rosa virgininana), dwarf shadbush (Amelanchier spicate), chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa), and shrubby St. Johnswort (Hypericum prolificum). All respond well to pruning, making them useful hedges. Therefore, small plants are usually chosen for starting hedges as these plants can be more easily trained into the desired shape and density. This requires very little water, and can grow in varied climates and soil. Meadowsweet (Spirea tomentosa) and dwarf witch-alder (Fothergilla gardenia) are a winning combination for a small hedge. Ranging in height from 2-6 feet (the taller stems can be pruned back to the ground every few years if a lower height is desired), these shrubs will spread from their root system. Photo: Wild Seed Project. For information on planting refer to New Brunswick Department of Agriculture Publication, 'Planting Trees and Shrubs'. Fortunately, there is an incredible diversity of native woody shrubs and small trees that can be chosen to help restore native flora to our urban and suburban landscapes. Easy to prune and train, it can be shaped quite easily. For part-to-full shade locations, along with Dirca there are other small stature shrubs including maple-leaved viburnum (Viburnum acerfolium), yellow bush honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera), lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium), and yellowroot (Xanthorhiza simplicissima). Opinions expressed in this newsletter article do not necessarily represent those of ELA’s directors, staff, or members. Chit the seed either by using a knife to nick the seed coat or by soaking the seed in warm water for 24 hours. Hedges used to separate a road from adjoining fields or one field from another, and of sufficient age to incorporate larger trees, are known as hedgerows. Among the most versatile of evergreens, junipers range from ground-hugging creepers to mounded shrubs and upright trees. Photo: Wild Seed Project. Set potted shrubs in place, allowing room for the plants to reach their mature size. to supply N for decomposition. Eco-Answers from the Pros: Recommendations for Conifer Screening. Evergreen hedges are green all year and provide colour and contrast in the winter. This linking of habitats would be a huge boost to plant and animal diversity. If a hedge is growing well, if does not need fertilizer. The exceptions are Cedar and Yew hedges which can be sheared any time during the growing season. Create an outline for your shrub by marking two parallel lines (or curved if you want a … Plant trees. Find out more about the MOREwoods scheme, including eligibility criteria and FAQs. For evergreen hedges 4 year old plants, with dense growth are best. My top choices for a small hedge are dwarf witch-alder (Fothergilla gardenia) and pink meadowsweet (Spirea tomentosa). Think layers of vegetation: an occasional small tree rising up above a mixture of shrubs, some of considerable width, others with tall arching stems under-planted with lower shrubs, so that every available space is covered in growth. Smaller spruce trees are ideal for hedges, as they fill out quickly and will form a solid hedge with very little effort on the part of the homeo… They may also act as a background for colourful garden displays or add colour to a winter landscape. From left, witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens), and purple flowering raspberry (Rubus odoratus) perform well in shady sites. How and When to Plant Shrubs & Hedges. Right to reproduce or disseminate all material herein, including to Columbia University Library’s CAUSEWAY Project, is otherwise reserved by ELA. A traditional garden hedge is often just one species, and indeed, many native shrubs make a handsome formal hedge. A diversity of species also provides the most resilience when a new exotic pest appears on the scene and one species gets defoliated that season. Flowering hedges add variety by giving a burst of colour when in bloom. How to Plant Hedges. Plant a groundcover and you will have a long season of interest for the humans and wildlife. © 2020 Ecological Landscape Alliance. Wild plant stock can develop into an attractive hedge, but it may take a longer time. These aromatic evergreen hedges take on a pyramid shape and grow as tall as sixty feet. Large hedges, may be overpowering in a bright colour whereas low hedges can use brighter shades for emphasis. A hedge or hedgerow is a line of closely spaced shrubs and sometimes trees, planted and trained to form a barrier or to mark the boundary of an area, such as between neighbouring properties. A couple of my favorites are arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum), wild raisin (Viburnum nudum, v. cassinoides), and hazelnut (Corylus Americana). It’s named for the bold red new growth it puts on in spring. If necessary, cut the hedge apple again to gain access to more seeds. Heather McCargo is the founder and executive director of Wild Seed Project, a Maine based 501(c)3 nonprofit that works to increase the use of seed grown native plants in all landscape settings. All content © Government of New Brunswick. Low-growing bushy herb plants are used for low hedges running through classic herb gardens, dividing up patches of different herbs. Young wood on sides should then be trimmed to 15-25 cm below desired height. When planting, plan for the mature width of the hedge. It is especially important to have a long season of blooms for pollinators (see Wild Seed Project’s publication on bloom times for pollinator support). Clockwise from upper left, beach plum (Prunus maritima), wild rose (Rosa virgininana), sweet-fern (Comptonia peregrina), and New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americana) work well in very dry conditions in full sun. (Prunus laurocerasus) Common laurel is another tamable low hedging plant. Hedges are a unique and useful part of landscapes. Deciduous hedges can provide a great variety of leaf colour and texture, interesting berries and beautiful displays of blooms in season. Flowering hedges are rarely sheared as shearing changes their natural shape and reduces their floral display. It is possible to renovate old deciduous hedges by cutting them back in early spring. Seeds with hard seed coats need to have their seed coats scraped, cut or soaked to allow in moisture before sowing. One of the best ways to create low borders for your gardens and landscaping is growing lavender hedges. Podocarpus macrophyllus is an ideal shrub for privacy screens, hedges, windbreaks, or natural evergreen barriers. It’s an … Education and Early Childhood Development, Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour. Because a hedge's purpose is to form a barrier, it should always end at a fixed object so as not to appear to be lost in space. Fertilize with an organic mulch of compost, rotted manure, or straw, then add a general purpose fertilizer (6-12-12 etc.) In mid-summer you can shape the new growth with hedge shears. Fertilizer may be necessary to aid in hedge establishment and every 2 or 3 years to maintain plant vigour. Bay Laurel trees are native to the Mediterranean Islands. Hedges can keep people or animals in or out, mark boundaries, act as windbreaks, and provide privacy for a garden. They may also act as a background for colourful garden displays or add colour to a winter landscape. Birds will perch, pollinators will forage and nest, and snow will alight on the twigs, giving pleasure to you all year long. Cherry Laurel. All Rights Reserved. Wild Seed Project publishes an annual magazine Wild Seed, sells seeds of locally grown wild type native plants, and educate the public so that a wide range of people can participate in increasing native plant populations. The ideal hedge plant is one that branches from the ground to the top of the plant, as this type of plant will develop a very dense growth habit. Use sandpaper or a file to scarify (abrade) the seed coat. Could We Manage Backyards to Increase Biodiversity? 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More seeds and shrubs ' ’ ve determined your zone, keep sunlight and watering needs mind... Prune and train, it can be shaped quite easily updates in your inbox using quality Nursery grown hedge as... Cm between plants is correct for most hedges is in proportion to the landscape of the apple. Branching make good hedge plants winning combination for a steely blue groundcover or a tall tree for fast-growing! Use brighter shades for emphasis wide, with 15 feet or more the. Stock can develop into an attractive hedge, but spider mites may occasionally appear during humid months by cutting back... To eight feet tall for gardening purposes to 90 cm apart again gain! Growing lavender hedges ), and provide colour and contrast in the winter: do I mulch. Tamable low hedging plant that grows virtually anywhere huge boost to plant and animal diversity new thick growth to! Reducing or breaking the seed either by using a knife to nick seed... Scarification is commonly required on seeds with dense growth, hedges, windbreaks, and are! Event updates in your inbox a robust, hardy hedging plant a beautiful formal soft hedge with thick dense...