Introduction to the uses of Hedges
Hedges are a beautiful alternative for fences. They flower and come into fruit and also provide a haven for birds. Hedges are aesthetically pleasing in appearance and fully justify an old French proverb, "A hedge between keeps friendship green".

Description of Hedges
Hedges are closely spaced shrubs or woody plants grown in a continuous line. They are generally used to demarcate spaces or shape spaces. They also add to privacy. Hedges are generally made of one kind of plant. The mixed hedges of small trees and shrubs that act as barricades in pastures are called hedgerows. Hedges may be formal or informal, a barricade against prying eyes or a border to accentuate the smoothness of a beautiful lawn. They may also be cut to fanciful shapes so that your garden has living green sculptures. Your choice of the hedging plant depends on the nature of the hedge you plan.
History

The German word hecke and the Dutch haag commonly used to denote 'enclosure' have the same origin as the English 'hedge'. The city of Hague got its name from Gravenhage meaning 'The Count's Hedge'. It is said that some of the hedgerows separating British pastures from lanes are over 700 years old. Rows of formally shaped trees formed avenues in Italian Gardens.

Popular Types of Hedges
The traditional choice for a hedge which serves the purpose of a fence is the thorny Hawthorn. This plant has beautiful white or pink flowers which turn to red berries in autumn and attract birds.

Formal clipped hedges need continuous maintenance. The plants selected for such a hedge should have a dense growth and also withstand clipping. The same kind of plants can be chosen for sculpted hedges which are hedges pruned to fanciful shapes.
Plants for informal hedges can be chosen based on their height. Silver Berry, Japanese Acuba, Photinia etc. are shrubs which have showy fruit.
Bamboo, Oleander, Japanese Privet, Arizona Cypress etc. reach heights of nearly 8 feet in a few years and provide complete privacy. Boxwood, Hedge Cotoneaster, Rose etc. suit low hedges or borders. Pomegranate viburnum, shiny Xylosma, Hopseed bush etc. can be grown for a higher hedge. Oleander, Rosemary, Pine, Mock Orange etc. require less water.

Planting Hedges
Hedges require a lot of space. Depending on your choice of the plant, the hedge may need a space at least 6 ft wide. Most hedge plants need a sunny location.
The best time for planting hedges is in spring. Fall is also a suitable time for planting, but spring is best, as it is the growing season. Summer heat is too taxing for a new plant before its roots are established in the soil.
The plants should be spaced based on their size. The hedge should be planted in a straight line. To ensure proper alignment, a taut clothesline may be held and the plants placed so that they touch the line. The holes should be first marked at the required intervals. The soil should be loosened to a depth of approximately 10 inches and mixed with compost. The seedlings should then be planted at the same depth as they were in the container. Some plants may be clipped to within a foot of the ground, depending on the planting instructions. Mulching the base of the plants with organic mulch helps to retain moisture and keep roots cool. The new plants must be watered until they are established in the soil. Depending upon the plant chosen and its growth, the hedge may be clipped at the end of the first summer to aid branching. It may take about 4 years for the hedge to grow to a reasonable size.
A monoculture hedge which has plants of the same type has a uniform formal appearance. However, diseases and pests spread easily causing extensive damage. By inter spreading a variety of plants with different flowering habits and fruits, the hedge can be made to look more interesting. You can choose your own individual designs for an informal hedge depending on the topography, space, and nature of your garden.

Pruning Hedges
The nature and interval of pruning depends on your selection of the hedge plant as well as the type of hedge that you have planned. An informal hedge needs only casual pruning to remove dead and damaged parts, and also to retain some shape. Formal hedges need regular pruning to retain their shape. Electric shears are good for formal hedges whereas garden shears suit other hedges.

A natural hedge or a hedgerow with small trees and shrubs, both deciduous and evergreen, is a treat for the eyes and requires less maintenance.
Hedges also attract wildlife. Birds, butterflies and squirrels are often attracted to nest in them or feed on the flowers and fruits. The hedges, once established require less maintenance and add to the depth and drama of the garden.

These pages might also interest you:

Allium Directory, Amaryllis Directory, Begonia Directory, Crocus Directory, Daffodils Directory, Dahlia Directory, Hyacinth Directory, Iris Directory, Lily Directory, Tulip Directory