Since we announced its availability from this winter, we’ve received many questions about using Native Farm Hedging, from both farmers and gardeners.
Using Native Farm Hedging: Primary function
Farm Hedging (sometimes called Paddock Hedging) is used primarily to delineate securely the perimeters and internal enclosures of fields; plots and paddocks. Our selection brings together traditional, native hedging plants that also qualify for agri-environment schemes including the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme. But can it also be planted in a more domesticated setting?
Is Using Native Farm Hedging a viable choice for a domestic garden?
The simple answer is ‘yes’ though there are a few caveats:
- It is perfectly suited to larger gardens. We suggest that, to give of its best, you should be planting runs of at least 10m+.
- Native Farm Hedging is not, it must be said, the first choice for a neatly trimmed, formal hedge. It will never produce the geometric perfection achievable with, say, Yew, Hornbeam or Privet. But, once established, it will look as natural as a hedge possibly can
- The hedge will be thorny and not something you would want to fall into. If this is a concern, then ‘softer’ alternatives may work better for you
- It will easily achieve a height of 2m – traditionally the optimum for a garden hedge – but is not the best choice if you require your hedge to grow much taller than that
Other Benefits of Using Native Farm Hedging in a Garden
- As all of the varieties we use are native, it is extremely hardy
- And variety is, after all, the spice of gardening. Our selection includes:
Hawthorn – Crataegus monogyna (c.70%)
Blackthorn – Prunus spinosa
Guilder Rose – Viburnum opulus (pictured above)
Dog Rose – Rosa canina
Field Maple – Acer campestre
Hazel – Corylus avallana
Six hedges for the price of one!
- It will thrive in all soil types
- It is excellent for wildlife, offering a varied and natural habitat to our native fauna including small mammals, birds, bees, butterflies and other insects
- It is a perfect, natural, ‘invisible’ border if your garden abuts fields or countryside – the next best thing to a Ha-Ha
- It will offer excellent security. Blackthorn, for example, is known as the cattle-proof farm hedge
- It will also provide privacy, though if this is a priority, taller, thicker-set hedging (e.g. Yew) may be a better choice
- It is decidedly self-sufficient and low maintenance. It does not even have to be cut every year. And when you do cut it, it will take electric hedge cutters in its stride
View Our Recommended Hedges
