Creating a hedge may feel like a daunting task, but hedges serve various purposes and be used in copious ways such as privacy, to define a path, break up areas, formal gardens, knot gardens, and to make a back drop. There’s limitless plant material to use for hedges and numerous ways in which to use them. They don’t have to be a mass of a single species or ten feet tall. Try to make a mixed screening with Waxleaf priviet (Ligustrum japonicum ‘Texanum’) flanked by Green Giant Western Arborvitae (Thuja ‘Green Giant’) or line a shady driveway with deeply textured hostas. The texture of plants, as well as shapes and shades are important design aspects to consider.
Every garden and gardener has diverse styles. Hedges can fit into any particular design; layout, plant choice, and continual maintenance become critical in keeping the integrity of the design. A cottage garden can still make use of a hedge through a more natural and rounded shape compared to the controlled, manicured hedge. Boxwoods are a particular plant which fall well into both categories whether large or dwarf selections are being used; a tight appearance needs frequent pruning, while a loose, more natural shape takes light pruning. For larger gardens, try the Green Giant Western Arborvitae mentioned above. It is much fuller, grows quickly, and has a fluffier appearance. Let it grow to appreciate its full appearance or keep it pruned back – it’ll love either!
You don’t need to just use evergreens either. Consider using deciduous trees as a screen or as an element to add to one. Many columnar and fastigiate varieties are available of many large trees such as Red Maples, Chinese Elm, and Hornbeam. Deciduous trees and shrubs can be chosen for fall color and provide shape and structure in the winter garden. Flowering perennials can also be chosen as a low hedge along specific pathways. Build a repeatable pattern with mixed perennials to create some diversity while keeping a rhythm.
Come to Cape Shore Gardens to find the selection you need to create the hedge you want! We’re getting geared up for the spring, check out the garden center and nursery for fresh stock that will be arriving all month and season long!
Visit our Garden Center at 1028 Route 9, Cape May Court House, or give us a call at 609-465-5161 or online at www.capeshoregardens.com.
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