Transform your garden with a hedge! Whether it’s a decorative border, a privacy screen, or a formal structure, hedges offer a versatile way to add charm and functionality to your outdoor space. You can create something uniquely yours with endless options for foliage, colours, and shapes.
Position
Sun or Shade: Select a hedge suited to your garden’s light conditions. Most thrive in full sun, but some, like Camellias, prefer partial shade.
Climate: Consider frost tolerance or seaside adaptability when choosing your hedge.
Prepare Soil
Dig in plenty of compost or well-rotted manure. Add a slow-release fertiliser like Oderings Garden Replenish for long-term nutrition.
Feed
Apply fertiliser twice yearly, in spring and autumn, to keep your hedge healthy and vibrant. Use a fertiliser high in nitrogen as you want hedges to concentrate on leaf growth. Fertilisers like Odering Garden Replenish or Nitroblue are ideal.
Watering & Mulching
Ensure consistent watering, especially during the establishment phase. Drippers are ideal for delivering water directly to the roots. Mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect roots.
Protection
- Shelter young hedges from strong winds to prevent damage. For frost-sensitive varieties, consider frost cloth during colder months.
Pruning
Trim for shape and health in late spring or mid to late autumn. In cold regions, avoid pruning after mid-summer to protect new growth. Prune regularly to maintain your desired height and width. Never let the hedge grow beyond its intended mature size.
Garden Expert Tip
Use a string line when planting to ensure straight, uniform rows. Soak plants in seaweed fertiliser before planting to reduce transplant shock. Alternate taller and shorter plants to create a uniform look, then trim to level.
Top Hedge Choices
Small-Medium: Buxus, Corokia, Coprosma, Escallonia, Osmanthus
Medium-Large: Michelia, Griselinia, Pittosporums, Ligustrum, Camellias, Viburnum Eve Price
Edible Options: Feijoa, Citrus, Blueberries, Myrtus Ugni
Elevate your garden with the perfect hedge and enjoy the beauty, privacy, and structure it brings year-round.
