What to Do – Hedges
Presenter: Melissa King
When it comes to hedges there are two schools of thought. A lot of us want fast growing plants, like Pittosporums, which get up there quickly and provide an instant screen. Quick yes, but the downside is that they can be more maintenance in the long run. You could be out every second weekend, trimming them back.
If you ask the gardeners that have been doing it for a long time, they will tell you that the best hedging plants are often slow growing like box, so yes patience is a virtue. They can take a number of years to fill in but when they do they need just one good clipping in early summer to take back the spring growth.
Melissa takes a look at a clever hedging design; it is a double hedge, with English box and Olive Tree’s growing out of it making a great contrast in height and foliage colour!
Some plants really come into their own in autumn. Ornamental grasses like Miscanthus (Miscanthus sinensis cv.) are a classic example and work beautifully with late flowering perennials. They have been looking good all summer long but autumn is when the feathery flowers begin to dry off and then hang on the plant right through winter. The borders aren’t as full so their beautiful arching form really shines.
The Eastern Redbud (Cercis Canadensis 'Forest Pansy') is a favourite of Melissa’s. The best way to use it is surrounded by brilliantly coloured perennials. It is a stunner in most seasons, with purple heart-shaped leaves, but it is particularly showy in autumn when the foliage turns shades of reddish-purple and orange.
Salvias have been flowering for months, but the late flowering varieties remind us what we love about these plants.
They come in almost every shade imaginable, from blue, to purple black, red and even hot pink and cerise tones. In some varieties like ‘Lime light’ the papery bracts that cup the petals are brilliantly coloured and remain long after the flowers fade; a beautiful contrast to the violet-blue flowers.
Japanese Maples are still top of the list for autumn leaf colour and because they are a small tree and a great choice for most gardens, provided you can protect them from drying heat and wind.
If you want something unique and spectacular then try growing ‘Senkaki’ (Acer palmatum ‘Senkaki’) for it showy golden autumn foliage alone. The outstanding feature of the maple is the brilliant coral colour of the bark and stems, which really comes to life in winter.
Japanese maples are just one tree perfect for smaller gardens, for more check out the article on winter trees for your piece of paradise in the latest Garden Gurus newspaper.
For this week’s water-wise tip:
Now that summer is over take the time to re-assess your garden. What plants suffered in the heat and what were the real winners? Then get into your local water saver garden centre and re-invigorate the garden with some stunning dry hardy plants.
When it comes to hedges there are two schools of thought. A lot of us want fast growing plants, like Pittosporums, which get up there quickly and provide an instant screen. Quick yes, but the downside is that they can be more maintenance in the long run. You could be out every second weekend, trimming them back.
If you ask the gardeners that have been doing it for a long time, they will tell you that the best hedging plants are often slow growing like box, so yes patience is a virtue. They can take a number of years to fill in but when they do they need just one good clipping in early summer to take back the spring growth.
Melissa takes a look at a clever hedging design; it is a double hedge, with English box and Olive Tree’s growing out of it making a great contrast in height and foliage colour!
Some plants really come into their own in autumn. Ornamental grasses like Miscanthus (Miscanthus sinensis cv.) are a classic example and work beautifully with late flowering perennials. They have been looking good all summer long but autumn is when the feathery flowers begin to dry off and then hang on the plant right through winter. The borders aren’t as full so their beautiful arching form really shines.
The Eastern Redbud (Cercis Canadensis 'Forest Pansy') is a favourite of Melissa’s. The best way to use it is surrounded by brilliantly coloured perennials. It is a stunner in most seasons, with purple heart-shaped leaves, but it is particularly showy in autumn when the foliage turns shades of reddish-purple and orange.
Salvias have been flowering for months, but the late flowering varieties remind us what we love about these plants.
They come in almost every shade imaginable, from blue, to purple black, red and even hot pink and cerise tones. In some varieties like ‘Lime light’ the papery bracts that cup the petals are brilliantly coloured and remain long after the flowers fade; a beautiful contrast to the violet-blue flowers.
Japanese Maples are still top of the list for autumn leaf colour and because they are a small tree and a great choice for most gardens, provided you can protect them from drying heat and wind.
If you want something unique and spectacular then try growing ‘Senkaki’ (Acer palmatum ‘Senkaki’) for it showy golden autumn foliage alone. The outstanding feature of the maple is the brilliant coral colour of the bark and stems, which really comes to life in winter.
Japanese maples are just one tree perfect for smaller gardens, for more check out the article on winter trees for your piece of paradise in the latest Garden Gurus newspaper.
For this week’s water-wise tip:
Now that summer is over take the time to re-assess your garden. What plants suffered in the heat and what were the real winners? Then get into your local water saver garden centre and re-invigorate the garden with some stunning dry hardy plants.
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