Filling in gaps in hedge.

I want to plant something to fill in the gaps in these bushes to block out the road behind. Can you please recommend?

The ground at this site is currently covered in a floor of ivy; does this prevent anything else growing here?

 

I have done just as you said actually. Glad to have it confirmed that I've done the right thing. Thanks.

 

I would have put something edible like Hazel in there, gives you loads of pea sticks too, though not evergreen of course.

 

Having planted my 3 laurel bushes as per the above in February, they are doing well. However, one of them is starting to look sorry for itself (see photo). Some leaves at the top are wilting, and at the bottom have turned brown and died.

I've been watering them regularly, and the 2 either side of it are doing fine. Any ideas?

 

Before you planted them Eddie did you tease the roots out and soak the rootball ?

 

No, but the hole I made for the rootball was filled with water when I planted it.

Didn't do any root teasing but did give it a good soaking immediately after planting.

Is it struggling to draw up water through the roots?

 

Through the hard way I learned how essential it is to soak and tease roots out of shrubs, trees etc. A rootball not soaked properly - I soak for 20 mins min- can often not take up water when planted. And roots not teased out from a congested rootball can be similarly affected.
May be worth while digging it up and checking....if the rootball feels light and dry then soak etc.

 

Ah I see. I'll remember that for the future.

Before I resort to digging it up, would serious a serious soaking of the base be a good idea?

 

It just occurred to me, these bushes were in pots, not root balls when I bought them.

 

In pots yes. They dry out Eddie.
If you dont want to dig it up you could make a recess and water, soak, well

 

Hmm..if they were all planted from pots and only one is struggling, then perhaps how they were planted is not the issue.

The question that comes to mind. If there is an existing laurel there which has not done well, then planting more may not be the answer. Might be worth throwing a handful of sulphate of ammonia over the base and then watering in - to boost leaf growth?

Alternatively install some willow screening, low trellis etc. to block out the view of the road?

You can buy artificial ivy (attached to netting) and drape this over the gap?

Plenty of ways to block out the cars

 

Some great ideas there. Thanks guys.

I'll dig a recess for soaking first. Failing that the artificial ivy is something I'd never thought of and could be a good solution.