Hedges

Hedges, when done well, can look spectacular.  The following photos are of Buxus, Diosma, Choysia and Photinia.  Some gardens opt for petrol based trimmers.  Others opt for the manual trimmer whereas some, like myself, prefer a combination.  The bulk of the trimming can be done with the motorised trimmer. To finish the job, to make the hedger cleaner with neater lines, use hand shears.  Some hedges should be done by secateurs only.  This is when the leaf is large.  Using a petrol based machine can damage leaves an stems, making it look bad and also may take some time for it to come back.  Also it can end up with the broom stick look.  This means tufts of foliage on the end, with a stark stem.

Sometimes its the call of the day to trim the hedge – flowers and all.  I prefer to keep it neat with a showing of flowers.  They do not last forever, so its good to see them flourish now.  It is important to know what the weather is doing when doing pruning.  Some things will be fine.  Others, may not be so forgiving.

Topiary comes in all different shapes and sizes.  I shaped balls, spheres and plants cut in the shape of rams.  (Yes, you read right.  Rams – male sheep)

There are many species which can be used in hedges.  Some work and some should not.  Lavender and rosemary hedges work for a while and then end up very leggy and need to be continually trimmed.  That goes with Leptospermum and Westringia species.  Australian natives can work well as hedges.  One of the best suited natives to hedging is the lily pily.  It’s glossy green leaves is aesthetically pleasing as well as it attracts bird life.   Callistemon (Bottlebrush) also make a great hedge.