Everything You’ve Ever Wanted To Know About The History Of Hedges
Hedges are a staple in the classic landscape design. People love the flexibility of this foliage given that it can be shaped, trimmed and sculpted to fit almost any space. The resulting structures also offer an incredible amount of privacy and a considerable amount of shade. Surprisingly, they have also been used throughout the years in efforts to define property boundaries. Following is everything you’ve every wanted to know about the history of hedges. Throughout the lowlands of England, hedges have been used as boundaries. As such, they serve both an aesthetic purpose and a very functional one. They also eliminate the need to do any underground trenching, such as what is typically performed during the construction and installation of a boundary fence. For centuries, large-size properties that had their own grassy knolls were essentially fenced in with shrubbery. Given that larger tracts of land have always been equated with wealth, it is not uncommon for most estates to have gardeners, even if they have few other professionals on staff. In fact, hedges have been so important in this respect throughout history that most large-sized homes or manor were almost always built with gardeners’ quarters on-site. In terms of property maintenance, gardening was actually among the most critical roles. Hedges or hedgerows have additionally served another purpose. More than being just a visible barrier, these also provide a surprising amount of protection, particularly when prickly species are planted. Hedges filled with thorns make a very formidable obstacle for trespassers and thus, beyond merely alerting people where boundary lines begin and end, a hedge can actually keep unwanted parties out. This foliage was not systemically planted in England until the 13th century. The second of two major enclosure movements prompted these plantings to become a common practice, both for the purpose of defining properties and essentially barricading them in. In terms of systemic planting, hedgerows have been a key part of property preservation for more than 800 years and continue to this day to serve both protective, informative and functional purposes to this day. One of the most surprising thing about the history of these plants is the fact that hedgerows dating several hundred years old are still alive and present this day. Given that these barricades are such an important part of English history, scientists have been looking for effective ways to date them. Unlike trees, it is not possible to simply hew them open and count the rings. The current and most commonly used formula for dating old hedgerows is to determine the approximate number of plant species within them. Greater diversity is associated with lengthier histories and then comparisons are made between dated foliage and foliage that has a recorded or otherwise well-known lifespan. While apparently quite accurate in many instances, this method of dating hedgerows loses efficacy as gardeners become more adept in strategically integrating plant species to attain specific qualities. The hedge has been used all throughout the world to create a sense of privacy on both large and small properties alike. What most people don’t know is that the thorny nature of this bush has made it a formidable wall of defense for many centuries. More surprisingly, some of these vast green walls are still present today and have histories that span numerous centuries.
Tips For Landscaping With Deciduous Hedges
An attractive landscaping design is something that will instantly improve the value of any residential property. Lush foliage, colourful flowers, and a well-maintained hedge enhance the visual appeal of a yard while offering a natural way to mark property lines and provide some privacy for property owners. Depending on location and personal preference, deciduous hedges offer an affordable way for homeowners to decorate their property. Unlike evergreens, deciduous shrubs will change colour with the seasons, offering a variety of looks depending on the time of year. They are less expensive than evergreens, allowing consumers to cover more area with a smaller budget. In locations where wildlife thrives, deciduous varieties are preferable because evergreens attract deer, which will graze freely as high as they can reach. A deciduous hedge may or may not drop its leaves after they turn color. A beech hedge, for example, will hold onto the brown leaves throughout the winter adding lovely fall tones to a landscaping design. These species filter wind better than evergreens, so they are not as susceptible to damage caused by storms with strong winds. With enough space, an unclipped hedge creates a beautiful natural screen. This is useful in locations where houses are built close together and privacy is a concern. A properly maintained hedge can effectively block unattractive views and in some cases, can block out some traffic noise. The pruning schedule will vary according to the species. Consumers should consult with a local plant expert for advice on what type of hedge will thrive given the local soil type, amount of rainfall, and average temperature. A certain type of hedge may look good in a picture but if the local conditions cannot easily support its growth, the consumer will be wasting time and money trying to plant and maintain it. Like evergreens, these hedges do require pruning but they are more forgiving when it comes to lax maintenance. Trimming should occur annually during the late part of the summer for the best results. The good thing is, even if the homeowner neglects to prune for a year or two, the hedge will bounce back quickly when maintenance resumes. One way to save money on planting a hedge is to start with small transplants, often called whips, which are approximately 60 cm tall. Less mature plants will often establish easier but the homeowner will have to pay special attention to watering at first and wait for the hedge to grow to the desired size. Starting with mature plants will provide an instant hedge, but it will cost more up front and there may be problems if some of the plants suffer from establishment issues. Consumers have the option of hiring a professional landscaper or doing the planting themselves. Planting a hedge is something almost anyone can do with the right starter plants and a handful of simple garden tools. Working outdoors is a great way to stay active and when the work is done, the homeowner will reap the rewards of a luscious hedge for many years to come.
Using Evergreen Hedges To Enhance Any Landscape
Planting grass, trees, bushes, and flowers is the perfect way to enhance the appearance of any outdoor area. When property owners plant evergreen hedges, they get much more than just beautiful landscaping. A hedge can help reduce street noise, increase personal privacy, and increase property value when the homeowner decides to sell. One big advantage a hedge has over a wall or fence is cost. It is considerably less expensive than purchasing supplies and hiring a professional to build a wall or a fence. With a little bit of spare time and a few simple gardening tools, almost anyone can tackle this relatively simple home improvement project with satisfactory results. Planting hedges offers a great way to block views of a yard from the street. Homeowners have more privacy without sacrificing the natural beauty of living plants. If the hedge is a hardy species that grows in thick, it can even keep out stray animals and trespassers. Total cost will depend on a variety of factors, including what type of plant the homeowner chooses for the hedge. Another factor in determining cost is the size of the plants at the time of purchase. Younger plants will be more affordable, but the homeowner will have to wait longer, perhaps as long as a year or more, to enjoy the full effect of the hedge. Unlike deciduous species, an evergreen hedge will not drop its foliage when the weather turns cold. This makes evergreens the perfect choice when planting privacy screens or using the plants to block an unattractive view. Evergreen foliage can vary in color and may produce flowers or berries. Narrow leaf varieties feature leaves that look like needles seen on pine trees. Many varieties have leaves with a blue tint. Not all evergreen varieties have needles. Broadleaf varieties have leaves with a broad surface that may be marked with veins. A healthy hedge does require some maintenance, but with the proper nutrients, including adequate light and water, it will last for decades. Unlike a fence, homeowners will never have to worry about making repairs, painting or staining. Some species require more frequent pruning, so it is important for consumers to research maintenance requirements so they can choose a species that fits their needs and lifestyle. Arborvitae is one of the most popular varieties for hedging projects. These plants are vigorous, so they grow quickly and make great screens to block unsightly views. Boxwood is a plant that is easy to work with and can be trimmed into a variety of shapes. The downside to boxwood is the odor, which some people find unpleasant. Consumers who want to add security should consider barberry. Barberry has large leaves and grows barbs that make it impenetrable. This species will also produce berries that attract a wide variety of birds. Regardless of species, an evergreen hedge will enhance any landscaping project. A qualified horticulturist can provide details about the variety of plants that grow best in the area. Factors to consider include climate and soil type.
What To Consider When You Buy Hazel Hedges In Lancashire
Planting a hedge is an affordable and effective way to beautify any property’s landscaping design while defining property lines and creating privacy. Hazel is a deciduous shrub or tree that grows to a height of 4 to 8 meters with an ultimate spread of 4 to 8 meters within 10 to 20 years. There are several things to think about when you buy hazel hedges in Lancashire. This plant is hardy throughout the UK and northern Europe. It requires minimal maintenance making it ideal for any residential landscaping project. It grows well in sand, loam, or chalk and will thrive equally well in partial shade or full sunlight, so it can be planted in almost any location. Deciduous plants shed their foliage annually during the fall. This means that a hazel hedge will not provide the same continuous privacy that an evergreen hedge would. Deciduous plants are easier to maintain because they will respond well even if the property owner neglects to prune it for a year or two. Evergreen plants are not as forgiving and some cannot be restored if they are not properly maintained. This hedge’s long catkins add a splash of bright yellow during the spring. It grows edible nuts during the fall season. Property owners should be aware that squirrels feed on hazelnuts and can become a nuisance. Other known pests to watch for include sawflies, aphids, gall mites, and caterpillars. You have the option of growing your hedge from seeds or starting with small plants. Raising a hedge from seeds can be gratifying but it takes patience because it will be several years before the plants are fully established. You will have to start with mature plants if you want to enjoy the benefits of a hedge immediately. Starting from seed is also less expensive, so while there is more work involved, the upfront expense of growing a hedge from seed is much less than purchasing mature plants. The best time for pruning is during the late winter or early spring months. Pruning should occur in February or March. You want to cut the plant back before the leaf buds start to show to ensure maximum regrowth. Pruning while the plant is dormant is important. This is because the plant’s resources are stored in the roots. The plant will rely on these resources for vigorous regrowth. During the summer, the plant stores nutrients in the leaves. Pruning at this time of year removes the resources, which means the hedge will not grow back as strong. This plant is often incorporated into mixed hedges because it grows well with other plants. It also provides a suitable nesting habitat for birds. This makes it a good option for property owners who want to provide shelter for wildlife. Hazel hedges are generally disease free, making them relatively simple to care for. Consumers can invest in a beautiful hedge confident in the fact that it will serve its purpose for many years to come. Any plant expert can assist consumers with advice on the proper planting and care of a hazel hedge.
Top Tips For Shopping At World Of Hedges – Box Hedges In Lancashire
If you are interested in accentuating your garden with a hedge, there are many different considerations to take into account. This guide provides shoppers with tips to prepare for browsing the inventory of World of Hedges – Box Hedges in Lancashire. To follow is an outline of the basic factors involved in making the best choice for hedges for your garden. A key consideration when it comes to purchasing a new hedge is the major issue of height. This has a multitude of ramifications for the garden space. Choosing a hedge species which will grow to an appropriate height for the task you have in mind is key. For example, those who are looking for a hedge to create a private area will want a specimen that is not only densely leaved but which will grow to a height to create privacy. There are many different options available but be aware that choosing a hedge that will grow too high can be a big headache. It may need constant pruning or removal in the future if it is not the appropriate size for the task. The width of the hedge is also important. This is particularly an issue when planning along garden edges. Those plants which tend to grow out rather than up may impede on the garden space. On the other hand this can be an advantage if there is a space which you would like to fill with some visual interest. An example is a shaded corner which tends to look bare. Planting a hedge here which will spread out is a good way to fill the space and provide visual impact. You can find a multitude of leaf varieties when it comes to hedges. Some evergreen versions do not drop leaves in the winter time. This can add a welcome splash of colour in the colder months. Other hedges are flowering, a great way to give fragrance and attractive hues to a garden space. Make sure you understand before planting when the hedge is likely to flower. That way, you can organize the rest of your garden flowering plants so that colours compliment each other and do not clash. For more tips on this subject, there are many helpful guides around. Doing careful and accurate research is very important to helping you to make the right choice. Plants can be expensive and choosing a specimen that is the wrong size or temperament for your garden can be a costly mistake. Thankfully there is an array of practical sources of information on offer to help the plant buyer. These include online blogs which are dedicated to the subject of gardens and which provide helpful links and guides. Many of these online sources also contain extensive photos to provide ideas and inspiration to readers. It can also be useful simply to ask around among your gardening friends for input. They may be able to provide you with some very useful suggestions about where to shop and what species to look for depending on your needs.
What To Consider Before Planting Laurel Hedges In Lancashire
Hedges serve a variety of purposes in residential and commercial landscaping. These lush green barriers provide a natural and attractive way to define property lines and preserve the property owner’s privacy. A thick hedge is just as effective for keeping out unwanted human and animal intruders as any fence or wall. If you want to beautify your yard and create a private oasis, you can find laurel hedges in Lancashire at a local nursery. The cost of your hedge will depend on whether you want to start from seedlings or pay extra for mature plants that will provide an instant living barrier. Smaller plants establish more quickly than large plants. They require less maintenance, but it will be several years before the hedge reaches the desired height and thickness. The Portugal laurel is an evergreen shrub that offers the advantage of providing privacy and shelter all year round. Evergreens require pruning once or twice per year to maintain their appearance, so they require more maintenance that deciduous shrubs. You may plant this hedge anytime between early autumn and late winter, but the ideal time is as early as possible before the ground has a chance to freeze. This type of laurel has ovate leaves that are dark green. The small white flowers are fragrant and bloom during the summer in racemes that can measure up to 25cm long. In the fall, the pollinated white flowers give way to small, purple fruits. This hedge can grow in partial shade or full sunlight with sufficient watering and drainage. It will grow facing any direction in both sheltered and exposed areas. This hardy plant can survive in clay or loamy, chalky, or sandy soil. The plant can grow in excess of 12 metres high and can have a spread wider than eight metres. Providing the proper aftercare as well as paying attention to root health, soil conditions, and weather, will improve the chances for establishment without problems. The most common causes of poor establishment include improper planting technique and failure to provide adequate amounts of water. Problems are typically most noticeable during late spring and usually show up within the first two years after the shrubs were planted. This shrub can fall prey to the vine weevil. Adult insects destroy the leaves during the warm time of the year while the grubs devour the roots during the autumn and winter. Controlling these pests at the first sign of activity can prevent wilting and death. Pruning should take place during the early spring and late winter for the best results. When pruning, the goal is to remove any crossing, damaged, congested or diseased shoots. After pruning you should add mulch to retain moisture in the soil, suppress weed growth, and protect the roots from extreme temperatures. A well-maintained hedge adds beauty to any landscaping design and can increase overall property value. Lancashire residents can visit a local nursery or an online hedge supplier for helping with choosing plants. They can also receive tips for planting and pruning to help protect their investment.
Tips For Planting Hawthorn Hedges In Lancashire
Hedge plants are affordable and provide an attractive border for any landscaping design. You have many options when choosing a hedge plant for your yard but hawthorn is among the most popular. You can find affordable hawthorn hedges in Lancashire at any local nursery. Small plants, called whips, are the least expensive and are approximately 60cm tall. They are easy to establish but may take several years to reach the desired height. Semi-mature plants are more expensive and require more time to plant and water but they provide you with an instant hedge. Hawthorn is a deciduous tree meaning it drops its leaves annually. It has branches with spines and the leaves are toothed or lobed. It develops white flowers followed by black or red berries. The best time of the year to plant this type of hedge is between mid-autumn and late winter before the ground freezes. To prepare the soil, dig a strip 60-90cm wide and one spade blade deep. Remove any weeds and add organic matter. Use a fork to mix the compost into the soil. Form a ridge 50-70cm long and 15-20cm high. Place your plants with approximately 30-60cm between them. If you want a thicker hedge, plant them in a double row and stagger them with 90cm between the rows. Trim damaged roots and spread out the remaining roots. Add soil between the roots making sure they are in close contact and water if necessary. Add mulch to 7.5 cm deep to prevent any weeds from growing. You want to make sure give your plants plenty of water for the first two years, especially during dry spells. Top-dress once per year with fertilizer. Eliminate weeds around the plants and 45 cm on each side. Signs of poor establishment include brown or yellow leaves and shoots that die back. This problem will show up during the first two or three years after planting and usually in June. The most common causes are poor planting technique and lack of watering. This is why irrigation and controlling weeds are so critical. To avoid this problem make sure new plants are in a place free from frost with the roots covered and plant them in the ground as soon as possible. Plants will dry out very quickly during hot, dry weather. Mulch, organic matter, or plastic sheeting will help suppress weeds and retain water. Use organic mulch that is thick and coarse for the best results. While watering is important, waterlogged soil will kill plants, so the soil should have ample drainage. Aerating the soil with a fork will help improve drainage. Only water when the soil is dry. Your hedge will need more water when conditions are hot and windy. Following these tips will protect your investment. It may take up to three years for your hedge to become fully established. Once it is, you will have a lovely boundary for your yard or garden. Hedges not only provide structure but they are ideal for wildlife, especially nesting birds.
Tips For Growing Privet Hedges Lancashire
A privet hedge is a semi to evergreen shrub that is available in a wide range of plant species including flower varieties. It is a common choice for the home offering privacy and an attractive appearance, but requires regular care to ensure that healthy growth is facilitated and bushes are kept neatly trimmed. With growing tips for privet hedges Lancashire homes can maintain a grand garden feature. There are many types of shrubs that can be grown according to the different climates and regions offering the best condition for optimum plant development. The hedge range can be grown in both warm and cooler areas with flowers developing in the warmer summer seasons. These plants are favored for its thick leafy formation that can be trimmed and designed into a variety of creative hedge shapes and sizes. To ensure that the best possible growth is facilitated, it is important to keep these shrubs regularly trimmed after the flowering season. Careful pruning can be implemented by a garden service to ensure that the healthiest development takes place. A routine prune that is performed correctly can encourage stronger growth and will build vegetative resilience for disease and deterioration. By regularly trimming plants after the summer months, it encourages the formation of dense foliage and bushes that are suitable to provide privacy from prying eyes. The thicker leaves and growth can aid in creating unique shapes and attractive features for a property. It can develop into a considerable height and must remain neatly trimmed and cut back to prevent overgrowth. Do not plant these shrubs in soil that is very dry and lacks sufficient moisture to provide for the dense growth and root development. If you are preparing an area to plant a hedge, ensure that enough compose is laid that will retain water and keep the roots at a suitable temperature. The shrubs can be planted in a sunny or a partial shade position making it a versatile choice for all areas of the garden. The shrubs are an excellent choice for the creation of a striking hedge, but should not be planted alone. The formation of hedges can develop an impressive form and feature for the home offering dense foliage and an attractive feature. These sturdy plants are suitable for areas with pollution exposure and do not have to be continuously maintained to produce optimum growth. It is important to have a professional perform pruning procedures or wear safety gear when handling these shrubs. A privet hedge does possess poison and should only be handled with rubber gloves and can spread very rapidly if not kept under control. It is advised for gardens that are regularly maintained and will be able to keep the size of the bushes under control. A hedge can serve as a wonderful feature for any garden offering dense foliage, greenery, and an attractive result with regular care. Routine pruning is highly recommended as it assists in eliminating weaker areas and shaping the shrub for healthy growth. Professional gardening services can ensure that shrubbery remains neatly trimmed and shaped.
Hedge Supplier in Lancashire
When working on the design and construction of a beautiful lawn or commercial landscape project, there are so many options which will help enhance the appeal of the property. Using plants, trees and shrubs that are native to the area can also have a positive environmental impact on the area around the property, leading to even more beneficial effects for the neighborhood at large. The decision to work with native or non-native plants, what type of plants will be used and how the plants will be arranged on the property are all functions of a team. The property owner, property manager and the landscape architect or landscape gardener will all work together to make sure that the most appropriate products are chosen to produce the look and feel that the owner is looking for. How to Create A Great Hedge Creating a hedge on a property can provide not only a great atmosphere for beautiful birds to live in, but can create a sense of privacy for a homeowner in Lancashire. A properly designed hedge, even when planted with young plants, will grow to fill in for a concealing look, and a healthy arrangement of the plants. This means hedges can’t be planted too close together, but also can’t be planted too far apart. The look of a hedge that is well designed will be smooth and luxurious. For a property which has an existing hedge that may look wild or out of order, it’s likely that the design was not well thought out at the beginning, or that plants which were less than appropriate were selected to create the hedge look. Selecting plants which support the property as a whole, and will be nurtured by the soil and water available, will help the hedge to stay healthy looking and functional for a long time. Working with a Hedge Supplier Not every nursery or arborist will have the experience and knowledge necessary to make a hedge that fits the needs of the homeowner and the property itself. The training required to specialize well in the hedge creation and supply industry comes from a long education and a sense that the hedge is one of the best landscape features it’s possible to leverage for many properties. A hedge supplier who also works as a designer or landscape gardener will want to inspect the property in order to determine the status of any existing hedge, to see the property layout and to understand the soil and microclimate on the property. When a homeowner is working with a landscape architect or a landscape gardener, that professional will contract with the hedge supplier in order to complete the design of the property. The hedge suppliers in Lancashire who are best able to help with commercial and residential property landscaping needs will be able to supply hedges, trees and conifers like maple, birch, sweet chestnut, eucalyptus, laburnum and others. Discounting and preferred installation of the selected hedge plants can be negotiated with the purchase is in bulk, or when there’s an ongoing relationship between the landscape gardener and the hedge supplier.
The Hardy Ebbingei Elaeagnus Shrub Grows Well In Lancashire
Ebbingei Elaeagnus is a shrub and is also an evergreen; it can grow anything up to 5 meters high and also the same in width. Some people plant it under trees and when they do it will adopt the habit of semi-climbing and ends up making its way to and into the bottom branches. When it comes to pruning it is very tolerant, and keeping it smaller is easy. If you are looking to grow it into a hedge then you can create a hedge that is 1.5 meters tall and 45cm wide, although, this is rather extreme, however, if you want a hedge that is better you will need to give it at least a 1 meter width. Like all plants growth in their 1st year is the hardest, once the ebbingel shrub has settled down new growth in a year or more can be anything from 75 cm or more. Likes Most Conditions The ebbingei shrub can live in almost any condition and grows well in Lancashire; the only thing that is not recommended is an area that becomes water-logged. Drained soil is what it prefers, and when in this environment it can flourish. This shrub is also capable of growing in very poor soils; it will grow in dry soils as well as being drought resistant. It likes the full sun as well as the shade, and in some places it has been planted under mature pine trees which had initially been planted as protection from maritime winds. It doesn’t take the Elaeagnus long to fill in gaps, and act as a shelter from strong winds. Many plants establish themselves successfully on Cornish drystone walls and they also provide wind protection in Lancashire. When this shrub is exposed to maritime exposure it is very resistant and also from winds that are laden with salt. This shrub has no problems living by the sea and this would also create protection from the wind when grown in the right places next to the sea. Not Great For Cold Weather The Elaeagnus shrub is a hardy plant in areas such as Lancashire that are temperate, and they are not really suited for cold weather. Although, these shrubs are suited to areas that are milder, the further north you go the less likely they are to fruit. These plants are considered to be hardy up to around 200C although this figure is arbitrary, the cold hardiness and other factors will also play a part in the survival of this shrub, which includes exposure and wetness. This Shrub Grows Well In Lancashire The Elaeagnus shrub is not that difficult to grow in Lancashire. They are rather resistant to honey fungus, and the only things that really effect the growth of the shrub is slugs as they eat the young shoots on small plants. These plants are not attacked by insects, diseases or pests. However, it does seem to suffer from whole branches dying out when there is no apparent reason, what has been found when this shrub is grafted onto the E. Multiflora which is a deciduous plant. Therefore, if you want to grow plants of this type you need to make sure that the plants bought are grown on their own roots and from cuttings. If there are any dead branches then they too should be removed completely from the plant. Alternatively, you can get in touch with the experts at World of Hedges and we can provide you specimens of the highest quality and advise on planting and maintenance of your new hedge.
