Q. Last year we moved into a brand new house and are now working on developing the garden. In our back garden we have a picket fence dividing our garden and next doors. However, I would ideally like something more substantial in its place and have thought about planting a hedge. The border is south east facing, but we live on the top of a hill so it is quite windy.
Do you have any suggestions as to what I can plant for hedging - I would like it to be quite fast growing, possibly evergreen and to give the garden some privacy?
A. Before you decide on a particular hedge you need to think about whether it is in keeping with the surroundings. The only quick growing evergreens are conifers but they look totally out of place in the countryside as does privet. The fastest growing is x cuppressocyparis Leylandii but unless it is very well looked after it can go bare at the base and become tall and unmanageable. It may also not like your windy site if the winds are very cold. Thuja plicata and its varieties is slower growing (about 45cm/ 18" per year), makes a better hedge and is easier to look after. Although not evergreen, beech holds its leaves throughout the winter after turning a lovely brown in the autumn, and provides a complete screen except for about a week in the spring just before the new leaves appear. It also blends beautifully into the countryside. You must remember that hedges require looking after and cutting at least once a year (x cuppressocyparis Leylandii needs two cuts). They will also take several years to establish and good ground preparation is essential. If you just want a living screen then they are ideal, but if you intend planting a border in front for more colour then maybe you should think about a fence and grow climbers up it to give a variety of colour throughout the year, and plant herbaceous perennials in front for even more interest.
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