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Posted by Bob Miffy (U14625933) on Saturday, 25th September 2010
Hi All,
I'm not sure if what I'm wanting is possible so please bear with me....
I have a large open aspect allotment in the North East with long paving slab paths on either side. I would like to 'soften' this look with some form of low level hedging (12 inches or so high).
I would like the hedge to be evergreen and compact so as to reduce maintenence. Ideally I would like the hedge to be insect/wildlife friendly in the hope of trying to encourage beneficial insects onto my plot.
Finally, as my plot seams to go on for ever I will need lots of individual plants to edge the whole plot. As such the lower the cost of each plant the better!
If anyone would like to offer any advice I would be very grateful.
Thanks in advance
, in reply to message 1.
Posted by 4smilingcat6 (U14338727) on Saturday, 25th September 2010
Dwarf Box comes to mind although I consider that insect neutral.
Like all hedging it takes time(3/4 years?). It is easily propagated from semi ripe cuttings so if you are patient that will reduce the costs.
, in reply to message 2.
Posted by londonplantmad (U2392946) on Saturday, 25th September 2010
We are not allowed to hedge our plots. I am not sure why. Maybe it is a too permanent and as the plots change hands other people may not want hedges.
They also need a lot of maintenance on full plots and they do lessen the amount of growing area. I would check before planting anything to see if it is allowed.
, in reply to message 1.
Posted by honeysuckle (U8412568) on Saturday, 25th September 2010
I wonder if you would fine alpine strawberries (Golden Alexandria) suitable. I grew these from seed to edge my beds two years ago. They have proved attractive, productive and easy . They fruit all summer long and while , small, provide a nice little snack when I spend the morning there. Any gaps can be filled by either dividing up the plants or by repositioning self-seeded plants. They also stay a lovely yellowy green pretty well all year and set off the colour and form of my vegetables. I think they are an under-used plant with many advantages. They do not make runners. They provide pollen over a long period.
, in reply to message 2.
Posted by BaraGwenith (U14257539) on Saturday, 25th September 2010
Beware of box, it harbours snails, big time!.
, in reply to message 5.
Posted by whatalottie (U9072847) on Saturday, 25th September 2010
How about lavender? I'm intending to grow them alongside the path because it looks pretty and smells good too.
I sowed some seeds this year and now have small (put perfectly shaped!) plants. The'll go in the spring.
Lottie
How about step-over apples.
, in reply to message 1.
Posted by grassisgreener (U14569661) on Sunday, 26th September 2010
What about herbs, not a hedge as such so you would get round the no hedge rule insects would welcome the pollen from flowers and useful to.
Sue
I agree with grassisgreener. A hedge of rosemary or sage - or mixed would smell lovely, be wildlife friendly and also useful. Nan x
Herbs are a good idea, Rosemary would go well with lavender and it keeps in theme with growing edibles on an allotment.
What about growing a row of fruit bushes - red and white gooseberry, red, black and white currants, although they'd grow higher than 12', they can be trained along a support which would create a divide between you and the next plot and it couldn't be a called a hedge or fence.
, in reply to message 10.
Posted by 4smilingcat6 (U14338727) on Sunday, 26th September 2010
All good stuff and good ideas but let me off for answering the original question??
4smilingcat6
You are let off only if you let me off because I don't think many people eat lavender
, in reply to message 12.
Posted by londonplantmad (U2392946) on Monday, 27th September 2010
Zoomer44
Lavender is eaten in lots of recipes.
, in reply to message 13.
Posted by whatalottie (U9072847) on Monday, 27th September 2010
Just looking at a seed catalogue and it occurred to me that you could use dwarf french beans as a border, perhaps while the lavender seeds/cuttings are doing their thing.
Lottie
Yes! Lavender (a small amount chopped) is nice in a marinade for chicken. Not too much though, as it gets bitter. Some people put it in shortbread (Alys Fowler did this in the series "The Edible Garden".) It is sometimes added to ice cream. I haven't tried this.
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