[Arthur Two Sheds Jackson]

Is a Hornbeam hedge suitable for a coastal garden? we are very buffeted with strong winds from the ocean from all sides nearly all year long!

[artalis]

Hi Arthur Two Sheds Jackson,

See this link at "Ashridge Trees," for a number of recommended options for coastal hedging>

http://www.ashridgetrees.co.uk/SHOPPING-CATEGORIES/Coastal-Hedging

also check here>

http://www.barrysgardencentre.ie/whatwesell.html#hedges




artalis

Trees online advjses against hornbeam by the coast but don't say why.
See here>

http://www.trees-online.co.uk/hornbeam-hedging-carpinus-betulus-2040cm-trees-free-mainland-delivery-except-scottish-highlands-p-303.html

[michael brenock]

Hornbeam is not an ideal seaside tree, it will survive for many years but when an early Spring gale from the sea catches it then it will be badly damaged and takes years to recover. It will survive there but it will not thrive.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

[Arthur Two Sheds Jackson]

Thanks for advice,
would Tamerisk be a viable alternative? is it fast growing?

http://www.ashridgetrees.co.uk/Tamarisk-Tamarix-tetranda

[artalis]

Hi Two Sheds,

Tamarisk is good for close plantings by the sea and makes a good first barrier windbreak, is a bit messy looking in winter. Also works well when planted alongside other salt tolerant hedging plants for variety and visual interest. It is a fast growing deciduous ( not evergreen ) tree or shrub.

See this Irish website for more info/options on suitable coastal plants>

http://www.dyg.ie/plants/105?page=1

Interesting to know that, thanks Michael as I live close by the sea myself ( about 4-500 metres as the crow flies ). My front garden is exposed on three sides but my back garden is walled. Some fairly fierce winds can rip through,( both gardens actually ) but owing to the small size of my front garden I have opted to leave it open. It is planted with alpines, lavender, lacecap hygrangea, phormium, hebe, dwarf spring flowering bulbs, some taller summer bulbs ( close to the house wall for protection ) and ornamental grasses. They work well.

I recently ( over a year ago ) I planted a white barked birch tree in the exposed front garden and it has coped very well with storms ( It is well staked ). Some advantages to being by the coast are that more tender plants can do well there.

I even have a washingtonia robusta in the front ( Mexican fan palm )and it coped very well with last year's severe frosts. It is however deeply mulched and somewhat protected by fierce winds on one side as it is situated close to a large phormium.

There is still a wide range of plants available including suitable hedging for coastal gardens, as you can see from the links in this thread. Mediterranean plants and those with small thick leaves or silvery foliage often do well as they are naturally suited to a drier environment. A thick ground mulch helps to prevent moisture loss when establishing new plants.

Hope that you are happy with your final choice Two Sheds.

artalis