[GPI]

Bare Root Hedging and the Wild / Mixed Hedgerow.
by GPI

I received a timely reminder during the week from a sales person working for a large nursery; it was one of a number of courtesy calls informing their clients that bare rooted hedging transplants would be available within 3 weeks. These are hedging plants; they are supplied bare-root, comprising just plant stem, roots and whatever clay still clings to the roots. Bare-root plants such as these have a relatively short window to facilitate planting, just running the course of their dormant period from mid-October to mid-March.

They fortunately have the up-shot of being more economical to buy due to the lower production costs involved, often 1/3 the price of similar potted varieties. If you are contemplating planting a hedge at this time of year then think bare-root.


Hawthorn (left) and holly (right), photo / picture / image.

A hedging form that is ideal to plant bare-rooted is the wild hedgerow. Also known as a mixed hedgerow it is informal and loose, whilst providing a refuge and food for small wildlife and butterflies due to its abundance of leaf, flower and berry.

Mother nature has created many fine examples of these charming wild hedges which the clever gardener can borrow ideas from, mimicking the best examples within their own patch. For example, planting many different varieties, anything from 3 to 15 different native species in no set order goes a long way towards creating a multi-faceted wild hedge. If you resist the urge to become a plant fascist, you can then bend the native plant rule to allow the addition of non-native hedging plants that will create an ultimate mix of colour/form and scent.

Any of the following plants will look quite at home in a wild or mixed hedge if spaced at 0.6 metre (2ft) intervals…
Rosa rugosa (wild rose),
Ribes sanguineum (flowering currant),
Prunus spinosa (blackthorn),
Crataegus monogyna (hawthorn),
Corylus avellana (hazel),
Ilex aquifolium (common holly)
Cornus alba “Siberica” (red dogwood).

Many people fear that a wild hedge will attract unwanted flies and midges, but you will be happy to know that you will also have an upsurge in your gardens bird population offering you their chemical free, pest control services. To encourage the bird population further, you should avoid trimming the wild hedgerow until late September each year to avoid disturbing nesting sites.

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Associated content...
Native Irish Shrubs suitable for a hedgerow.