I'm looking to replace a long, falling-apart pallet fence in my garden with a hedge, especially since I have kids running around. We're on a budget and might have to do this in sections over a few months. I want a mixed hedge that's thorn-free for safety, wildlife-friendly, and ideally keeps some greenery year-round. Flowers would be a plus, but I'm not keen on conifers. Any recommendations or tips would be really appreciated!
3 Answers
Check out bare root options for winter planting like hornbeam, Cornus mas, or amelanchier. And I found that the Woodland Trust sells budget-friendly hedging bundles—totally worth it! Just a thought, adding some wire fencing along with the hedge can help prevent kids from finding escape routes. Make sure to include a hedgehog hole, too!
We opted for Portuguese laurel for our hedge, and it’s been great! Five years in, it’s thick and evergreen, reaching about 4-5 feet. Plus, it produces small white flowers, which adds a nice touch to the garden!
For a mix, consider using hornbeam and beech. They're both safe for kids since they're not poisonous and thorn-free. Beech keeps its dead leaves in winter, which helps with privacy. If you can, buy them as bare-root whips in autumn or winter and plant them right after they arrive!
Absolutely, bare root planting is definitely the most cost-effective way to go! You can save a ton that way.