Show #18/8405. Simplifying Plant Choices

Diversity With Hedges

Hedges are another important element in the garden and they can do a lot of different things. They’re incredibly versatile, and typically used to define space. It’s often like the walls of the garden; in many ways they help people know how to use the space, even navigate the space. Let's talk about some selections that are particularly good, and then ways they can be used in the garden. We were talking about the specimen, or focal point. That's your chance to express your style. When we’re talking about hedges, things get a lot more practical, they tend to be about defining that space. But practical doesn't mean any less important. The number one characteristic in determining what type of hedge one might use is similar to the specimen. Are you looking for something evergreen or are you looking for something deciduous? A deciduous hedge, like the one behind is a Steady Eddy Doublefile Viburnum. It’s a re-blooming viburnum. It’s okay to have a deciduous hedge even if it doesn’t provide privacy. It provides privacy when we need it or not when we don't. If one lives in a warmer climate or you need year round privacy, like when trying to screen off a neighbor, or a view that's unsightly, then you might want the evergreen coverage of something like a conifer or another type of evergreen.

The key to starting with a hedge, besides knowing where you want it and why, is, do you want that year round coverage of an evergreen, or do you want something that looks absolutely fabulous in the summer when you're outside enjoying it. Something like a flowering plant, like the viburnum, or panicle hydrangeas make an awesome hedge. Rick loves diversity in a hedge. Stacy's mentioned the difference between evergreen or deciduous, he likes a mixed hedge. It provides interest all season long, whether it's screening or creating a room within your landscape, thus viewing your landscape as a room, an extension of the home. A lot of work is being done with flowering shrubs, we've seen an explosion in that category in the last 20 years. That work has given gardeners a tremendous number of new tools. It doesn't have to just be a green hedge. We've got all of these amazing flowering options now. Very often one may want something that is more uniform, something that provides sort of that quietness where one can have that backdrop to do anything off of. Maybe then you do some crazy plantings in front of it. But they're all great options. Don't limit yourself to selecting one cultivar of plants, because there are always new plants.