How to use hedges for boundaries

The dream for most garden owners is not to have a boundary at all – given a choice we’d probably all prefer an unbroken ‘borrowed’ view, preferably of idyllic countryside or suitably breath-taking scenery. The reality for many of us is that some sort of boundary at the border of our gardens or between us and our neighbours is essential. So, given that most of us aren’t gazing at our estate over a hidden ha-ha, how best can we treat our boundaries for maximum aesthetic appeal? 

For those who have less patience or an urgent need, invest in mature ‘instant’ hedging plants from suppliers such as Readyhedge can be an efficient way of creating a luscious green boundary in a shorter space of time. Matthew at ReadyHedge, a unique nursery that just grows instant hedging, suggests that when selecting a hedge, it is important to consider where it is going and what is expected to do: “Saying what is expected to do sounds funny but if the hedge is to mark your gardens boundary and you want some security aspect to it, you might want to consider a Holly hedge (ilex merservae) or if in a more rural location a Hawthorn or Mixed hedge. If the hedge is just to create a screen and give you some privacy for a formal look think about Portugal Laurel (Prunus lus. Angustifolia) or if it can be more relaxed Cherry Laurel (Prunus lau Rotundifolia). While these are both evergreens consider what you are being screened from and don’t discount the deciduous options as they will give screening just as well during the summer months when more people are around. By considering deciduous it gives you the choice of the beautiful Purple Beech (Fagus syl. Purpurea) or the vibrant green of Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus).”

But what if the hedging is for an internal