Hedges not only provide boundaries but they are decorative too. They can give you privacy and keep out unwanted guests, separate  one part of the garden from the other and act as the perfect backdrop for borders.

Hedges can be left to grow freely or clipped in simple or elaborate shapes. However, if your garden is small make sure you choose a shrub that can be clipped neatly or you will find it will soon overtake your precious space!

Conifer hedges including cypress and yew are all evergreens that will withstand frequent clipping. 

Cypress has a ferny, green foliage, is quick growing an can tolerate most soil types.

The most prolific of the cypress family is the Leylandii which grows twice as quickly as other cypress - be prepared to clip two, three or four times a year. Leylandii are greedy too as they take all the nutrients and moisture from the soil around them. Be careful where you plant them and give consideration to their impact on your neighbours! 

Yew are one of the best ever green hedging plants as they are slow growing and does not need frequent clipping.

Deciduous hedges change with the seasons and don’t retain their leaves all year round.

Beech is the most popular deciduous garden hedge and has such strong stems that it can be used to make tall, narrow hedges.
Beech grows in all well-drained soils but especially chalky or limey soils. For added interest why not alternate your planting with different colour combinations such as copper and purple mixed with green?

Other deciduous shrubs include hornbeam and hawthorn - ideal spikey deterrent for intruders and pets.

Small-leaved evergreens include box(ideal for topiary), privet and Lonicera - all grown pretty much anywhere and are excellent for hedges from 4 to 8 feet high.

Large-leaved evergreens such as laurel and holly are ideal for full sun or dense shade and are an excellent choice for large, broad hedges.
 
Late autumn is the ideal time for planting hedges - bare-rooted hedging plants should be planted from late autumn to early spring and container - grown plants whenever the soil is most workable. Straight after planting cut back any leader or side shoots by about half.

The following year - between late autumn and early spring - do the same again.
This might seem a bit drastic but it will help to encourage a mass of shoots from the base. Water young hedges regularly and feed them in the spring and autumn to encourage the development of strong shoots and roots.

If you’d like any help or advice about hedging then pop in to your local Millbrook store and ask one of our experts in the Plant Information area.