Hedging plants have been used effectively for a range of different purposes. Hedges can be planted for privacy or screening for a property or outside space and are often used to improve security.
For privacy, or to disguise an unpleasant scene, choose a dense evergreen. Choose plants that are relatively fast to grow, or invest in some older plants that will be capable of giving you a screen immediately. An excellent, often inexpensive choice are Leylandii plants. There are many types to choose from and it is an evergreen which will grow from between two and three feet every year.
Cotoneaster Lacteus and Western Red Cedar are both a great choice for privacy.
Spiky plants with thorns offer excellent additional security for properties. When used correctly, plants can act as a great intruder deterrent, but you should never allow them to obstruct visibility of your windows and doors as this could shield intruders and have the opposite effect. When used for security purposes, plants need to be large enough to be a physical barrier without obscuring areas from the view of others.
Great plants for this purpose are the Blackthorn and the Common Hawthorn, both of which are spiky and dense. Holly is not quite so spiky but is a very affordable and popular plant to use. Pyracantha has delicate show of flowers in the spring and berries during winter along with vicious thorns, making it a great choice for security.
You can also plant hedges to protect your home from the nuisance of pollution. You will need a robust, plant to cope well in a heavily polluted area. Two very hardy plants for this purpose are the Oregon Grape and Daisy Bush, as they are both hardy and produce attractive flowers in the spring. If you are trying to combat noise, you need a thick barrier with evergreen foliage from top to bottom. For the greatest impact, plant several rows as close to the source of the sound as possible. The thicker the barrier of plants, the better.
You may want to plant a hedge for its beauty or for its architectural appeal. A good all round low border plant is lavender or you could opt for one of many box hedge which is able to produce an attractive border for any purpose.
A variety of wildlife for example birds and butterflies will benefit from shelter provided by a hedge. Birds particularly love Common Hawthorn and Blackthorn with its sloe berries. If you wish to draw in bees and butterflies, plant Lavender and Pyracantha. Combine a selection of your favourite hedging plants to create a functional, great looking screen.
Tags: landscaping, gardening
