Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 4.63
The top of a hedge can be crenulated, either
formally or informally, to add another dimension to the
hedge - in this case the play of light and shade. Photo
taken at Ashcombe Maze, Shoreham, Victoria.
with which they are treated. Those that do
not regrow are resolutely unforgiving of
human foibles.
Formal hedging styles
Formal hedges need not always be straight
sided 'A' shapes. The top of the hedge should
always be narrower than the base but the
sides may be curved or the top crenulated
(see Figures 4.63 and 4.64).
Figure 4.62
This cypress hedge has grown well out over
the footpath so the only alternative to the removal of the
hedge is for pedestrians to duck. Cypress cannot be
pruned hard as it will not regrow.
Often an archway through the hedge is
desirable. This is easily achieved by leaving
the requisite gap in the planting and training
the top and side growths of the hedge over
the gap (see Figure 4.65).
Many conifers, a classic hedging choice, do
not regrow from old wood. By definition
they get larger and larger with no way of
rejuvenating them. If they outgrow their
space encroaching on paths, driveways or
garden beds there is only one traumatic
solution - remove and replant
(see Figure 4.62).
Select three or four strong stems each
side of the opening and let them grow tall
enough to cover the gap (see Figure 4.66).
When the growth is still f flexible and long
enough, train them over a supportive
structure and tie them in. The finished
arch just needs to be clipped as the rest of
the hedge. As there will be no light under
Other species have the ability to regrow from
bare wood. These are marked with an asterisk
on Table 4.16. Needless to say, these are the
easiest to manage as they can recover from
the procrastination, laziness or ineptitude
