Things You Need To Know About Native Hedges You Can Grow To Support Local Wildlife
Native hedgerow provides shelter and food for a range of wildlife. But what if you want to encourage native wildlife into your garden, but do not have the time or space for a proper hedge? Here are helpful things you should know about native hedges you can grow to support local wildlife. A great alternative is to grow native shrubs as showy, informal hedges. These include laurel, holly and bay, there are also native cultivars of privet and honeysuckle that are available. There is good reason to plant a native hedge. For example, many species of native shrub produce berries that attract birds, such as blackbirds, thrushes, and waxwings. You can plant hedges of native shrubs in a formal or informal style. Plant them, so they are slightly overgrown, then trim them each year to keep them tidy. Grow Berries and Fruit Hedges Growing your own fruit and berries is a wonderful way to get closer to nature and local wildlife. It is also a very rewarding experience, especially if you have children who can help with the picking and preparation of the produce. And, because you are growing your own, the fruit and berries are as fresh as they come. Plant a Berry Patch The first thing to do is decide what type of fruit or berries you want to grow. The best way to do this is to go to your local nursery and talk to the staff about what grows well in your area. Alternatively, speak with other gardeners who may have some knowledge of which plants will thrive in your area. When you have decided on the type of fruit or berries you want to grow, select a site that is in full sun and has fertile soil to help you grow native hedges that can support local wildlife. Choose a Site That Gets Full Sun and Fertile Soil To help ensure your plants get off to a good start, you can prepare the ground by adding some well-rotted manure or compost to the soil before planting. This will give your plants an excellent nutrient base as they grow. You can also mulch around the base of the native hedges.
