Advice on low hedge choice?

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by BarryC, Apr 8, 2020.

  1. BarryC

    BarryC Apprentice Gardener

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    Hi, I'm new to the forum and have been advised to post my first query on here. We are in new house and starting on the front garden and I want to plant a low hedge across the front elevation. The house is built on a concrete raft and my wife is concerned about damp but I don't think this will a problem although I am concerned about roots and the building with planting it so close.
    In our old house we had over 150 m's of privet that needed cutting twice a year, as you can imagine it is what eventually persuaded me to move!!:phew: Hopefully I've posted a picture of an artists impression of the house with the low hedge effect that I'd like. Forget the flowering plants to the front.

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    My thoughts are Yew, Box (worried about Box blight problems) and even Lavender which I planted as a low hedge at my son's last year. Looking forward to advice, problems or suggestions.
    Cheers Barry
     
  2. Kristen

    Kristen Under gardener

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    Would probably be happier growing taller than a "low hedge"

    You could grow Japanese Box instead (actually Holly - Ilex crenata) I got mine from Hopes Grove Nurseries (been very happy with their plant quality [in general]) and also considered Boxtrees Nursery

    Tends to have a somewhat scruffy appearance (nothing wrong with that ... but you might not want that ...)

    I had one across my garden - it looked very showy when in flower

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    I don't think a low hedge will give you any problems. Roots and Building would only be impacted by a tree and then not all types of trees
     
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    • Graham B

      Graham B Gardener

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      Evergreen honeysuckle lonicera nitida is a good option for a low-growing, low-maintenance hedge. You also get a nice scent from the flowers around April-May, although the flowers themselves aren't that visible.
       
    • BarryC

      BarryC Apprentice Gardener

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      Thanks Graham B. That's something that I never envisaged. Good to know. Cheers
       
    • BarryC

      BarryC Apprentice Gardener

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      Hi Kristen. Thanks for the info. that's very helpful. As you say Lavender is nice but it can be a bit unruly. I'm waiting for a soil testing kit to arrive and ultimately that may make my mind up. Thanks Barry.
       
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