I first learned the fundamentals of kitchen gardening from my mother, who learned it from her father, a passing-on of traditional skills repeated down through countless generations.
26.09.2023 - 15:44 / gardenersworld.com
If you’re planting a hedge, the chances are that you want it to grow quickly, creating privacy, a boundary or a windbreak, or dividing your garden into ‘rooms’. A hedge is an excellent alternative to a fence, providing interest all year round and shelter and food for wildlife. A hedge also makes a better windbreak than a fence, as wind is able to travel through it rather than smack into it, which can cause damage.
The cheapest way to plant a hedge is to plant bare-root plants in the dormant season, between November and February. Many hedging plants can be grown in this way, including beech, hornbeam and yew. Evergreen hedges, such as privet, are best planted in early autumn.
Choose plants that will establish and grow fast, knitting together quickly. Here are some suggestions for fast-growing hedging plants, all of which should put on a minimum of 30cm growth a year.
HazelHazel makes an excellent hedge, also as part of a mixed native hedge with plants like blackthorn and hawthorn. It bears beautiful green-yellow catkins on bare wood in spring, followed by lush green leaves. In autumn, hazel nts (or cobnuts) are produced. These are edible but the squirrels may get to them first. Hazel plants grow between 40cm and 60cm per year.
Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is a dense evergreen with large glossy green leaves. It should put on at least 30cm in a year. In summer it bears fruits that resemble cherries, turning from red to black as they mature. Grow in sun or shade.
Fuchsia magellanica can be grown as an attractive and unusual
I first learned the fundamentals of kitchen gardening from my mother, who learned it from her father, a passing-on of traditional skills repeated down through countless generations.
Growing Monstera plants in water can be a fuss-free experience, even for novice gardeners. While Monsteras generally prefer soil-based environments for long-term growth, some varieties can adapt well to a life fully or partially submerged in water. Here are the best Types of Monstera Plants for Growing in Water without too much trouble.
Meet Pistachio Hydrangea, a vibrant showstopper that transforms any garden into surreal colors. Its flowers carry a beautiful combination of colors, creating a spectacle from late spring to early fall.
Discover all the tips and tricks to grow the timeless flower – Lilium candidum, commonly known as the Madonna Lily and enjoy its intoxicating fragrance in your garden!
Alocasia Wentii boasts arrowhead-shaped leaves with intricate veins and a deep green hue. The elongated, wavy edges of its leaves give it an elegant and exotic appearance. Ready to nurture this stunning plant to perfection? Read on!
Meet the Black Dragon Snake Plant: With its striking appearance and easy care, this plant is perfect for both beginners and enthusiasts.
Philodendron Sharoniae—This rare and unique plant is not just another decorative piece; it’s a living spectacle characterized by its elongated, ribbon-like leaves and dramatic variegation.
Gulf Stream Nandina – a captivating plant whose fiery red foliage and lush, compact form create a spectacle in any landscape. What’s more? It also makes for a cute indoor plant!
Growing Parsley from Division—a simple yet effective gardening technique that promises bountiful harvests with minimal effort. Keep scrolling to uncover the step-by-step guide.
Philodendron Green Princess – Step into a realm where leaves shimmer like precious emeralds, and beauty knows no bounds. Scroll down and learn its elegance and the art of its growth – the perfect light, the ideal watering, and the nurturing touch it needs.
Moss, lichen and algae can often be found growing on the branches of established trees, shrubs and hedges, especially in rural areas of the country with high rainfall. In particular, neglected, overgrown hedges where the branches have become overcrowded and/or those that are lacking in vigour as a result of old age or poor growing conditions can be prone to mossy growth. The good news is, however, while it may look unsightly, it’s not actually doing any damage.
The dream for most garden owners is not to have a boundary at all – given a choice we’d probably all prefer an unbroken ‘borrowed’ view, preferably of idyllic countryside or suitably breath-taking scenery. The reality for many of us is that some sort of boundary at the border of our gardens or between us and our neighbours is essential. So, given that most of us aren’t gazing at our estate over a hidden ha-ha, how best can we treat our boundaries for maximum aesthetic appeal?