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I posted on the Blog a wee while ago, and on the thread about Hawthorn. I intend to plant new hedge about 20m long with the species picked for butterflies.
The plants are arriving on Friday, so I now actually have to do some work.
In my photo section I put up a couple of photos of where the hedge was to go, and another of the same thing with the ground cleared. I have also bought a length of membrane to lay as well. The plan was to plant an offset double row- how far apart should the plants be? and how far apart should the rows be?
I assume I plant THROUGH the membrane? Does that mean I just dig/poke wee holes for the roots. How deep do they need to go?
Some of the websites say I should be a) watering (they're kidding- it's tipping down here!) and b) feeding as I plant. Is that right? Should I?
Can you feel my panic? Sorry to bombard.
When thou seest an eagle, thou seest a portion of genius; lift up thy head!
Hello,
I have just read all your very interesting postings on the hedge and was wondering what shrubs you planted and why you picked them, and what butterflies you had in mind?
About 20 years ago we planted a hedge: mainly Holly, Beech and Hazel with a scattering of others: Maple, Willow, Hawthorn, Guelder Rose, Wayfaring tree and Cherry.
As we had no plans to trim it some were obviously a mistake! the Beech and Willow had to go, as did the Cherry which started suckering everywhere. The Holly was suppressed by the Hazel and has only just recently started to flower. But it is very popular with the birds and always full of them. Bullfinches seem to particularly go for the Guelder Rose berries.
But I much regret not including Buckthorn. I have read that in a sunny, sheltered spot it nearly always attracts Brimstone Butterflies to lay eggs on it. I was also wondering if you had this and if so where you can get it from? (I cant recognise it anywhere near here,( it seems to look like dogwood,) or I might try germinating it from seed.
Can I remember without checking?- holly, dogwood, hawthorn, buckthorn, privet, blackthorn, goat willow, I think.
I'm not that fussed about species. I live in rural Aberdeenshire where a Red Admiral is a novelty. This summer I saw one new species- a fritillary- don't ask me which one.
I bought a very good wee book/ pamphlet called "Butterfly Gardening" and I did what it (and Adrian said).
I'm really chuffed with how few plants I lost (touch wood), and I'm steeling myself to cut them whips back again late next months.
Did you get many butterflies on your hedge?
Funnily enough - No! Would have thought that all the holly may have produced a lot more Holly Blues but I only occasionally spot one. I do sometimes wonder if the birds, particularly the Blue and Great tits, scoff the lot of them!
But it was the appearance of a male Brown Hairstreak in august that got me to get out the butterfly book to ID it ( 'Butterflies of Britain and Ireland by Jeremy Thomas and Richard Lewington' - a totally engrossing book).
I had just taken my sister to admire the mouthwatering crop of Hazelnuts on one plant when she noticed it sitting open winged on a pink yarrow about 18'' in front of me! Eventually it flew up and sat on the hazel with its wings folded. I learnt from the book that I was very lucky to see it as they only come down in years when the honey dew is scarce in the treetops ( saw two more later in the month so perhaps the dry summer was responsible).
But I also learnt my hedge was an unlikely resource for them, they prefer untrimmed Blackthorn, of which there is some around, but in my soil it suckers far and wide and I cant see how I could include it in the hedge.
Sorry to ramble on about my Brown Hairstreak - I am still excited about them! they have re-awakened my butterfly interest with a vengence.
I'm envious of your fritillary - I have only ever seen one, and that was on holiday in Argyl,Scotland! (Also dont know which type)
The wildlife will love a good hawthorn hedge. It's a slow grower, so be prepaired for a long wait.
I planted over 300m (700 plants) years ago. I also included native tree whips like oak, hazel. wild apple (malus silvestris) field maple, beach ets. at intervals along the hedge.
In years to come it will be an absolute haven. Let's hope it is left to enhance the countryside for years to come.
Adrian, I can see the hedge for the first time since the last weekend in November. Is it too late to cut back?
Hi,
Your native hedge can be pruned during winter, when the plants are dormant.
Evergreens are best done in late July, after the nesting season. (never in winter)
Hi AQ
I fully agree with Bagpuss - where you are you've probably got at least until the first 10 days of March to get it done. I'll be doing mine in mid Feb.
Best wishes
Adrian
If you want to drop by my RSPB wildlife gardening blog, it is updated every Friday, and I'd love to see you there - www.rspb.org.uk/community/blogs/hfw
I took no chances. I did it today. Some of the plants are doing brilliantly; some less well.
Guys, I got backto the hedge yesterday and cleared out the limited quantity of weeds. I meant to count the dead whips and replace them last autumn but the snow came and messed that up.
So, I've lost about 10 plants. Can I do anything about it now? Or do I have to wait till autumn?
You may still be able to find some bare root plants, but you will have to keep them well watered all summer till they get going. The other option is to put something different in the spaces. Anything with berries, or even some Ivy or honeysuckle would be great for winter flowers and fruits. Ivy is great for late flowers. Hover flies and bees love it.