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