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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!
Nice work! We all stand and salute you :-) I have friends who swear that the best thing anyone can possibly do for wildlife in their garden is plant a good mixed hedge (I think a pond runs it close, but, hey, who's to grumble at either).
Now here's the painful question, AQ - have you been along the row of little whips and snipped the top half off each and every whip? Ok, I admit, I've never been able to remove the full half, I'm too sentimental, but I always manage at least a third, which prompts them into bushy growth from the base next year (you can spare your hollies!).
The only thing then will be a bit of water in year one during any dry spell just to give their tiny roots a drink, and you'll be well away.
BY the way, you know you had some whips left over? If you've got space just to pop some in the ground in an out of the way place, it is VERY likely that say 1 in 20 of your new hedge plants won't take - that's normal - so it's great to have a few knocking around to take their place next winter.
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'm glad i didn't wait. It was tipping down. But we did plant 2
these were the photos
And I'll take the tops off next weekend; and plant the rest along the other hedge line where I can get to them if some of them die.
A Great choice iv recently Planted a Hawthorn myself :)
Jacque
So, took off between 1/3 and 1/2 of all of them, and planted two more hollies in a gap in our box hedging
Nobody could accuse you of not working hard, but you must be happy with what you are achieving. Well done.
I am tinkering. Just tinkering. This is going to take years if not decades. (But thank you)
A follow up, please?
The hedge has done well; I think I lost 2 whips and I can replace them shortly.
Should I cut back hard again this winter? Or let the hedge do its own thing?
Hi AQ
If you have the heart to do so, go back by about a third again this winter (mid winter when they are well and truly asleep). That way, you'll end up with a really bushy hedge, thick to the base. Painful now, but worth it in the end!
Thanks; I will