A Natural Alternative To Fencing
In a world of increased industrial activity and an overabundance of manufactured beauty, people are becoming more and more interested in the natural world. It is only natural then, that when considering how to divide their property from others; consumers are skipping past the chain link fencing and going directly to the garden center.
The idea of using trees and shrubs as enclosures or to mark off space is not a new one. Hedges were used in 16th century Italian gardens to make avenues for travel within the garden, and hedgerows, which are simply lines of bushes or trees of the same species planted close enough for their limbs to intertwine, have been in use in England for more than seven hundred years.
Hedges used as an alternative to fencing fulfill many more purposes than simply serving as a property line. They can keep wind and erosion to a minimum, cut out noise from traffic, and helps keep the neighborhood kids from running through your newly laid grass. Hedges also help to restore native plant life, which may have been dwindling because of construction and development. Also, as a natural habitat for all manner of insects, you will hear more songbirds early in the morning as they catch breakfast. Financially speaking, a hedge fence is usually less expensive than chain-link, will not rust and break, and rarely needs replacing.
If you have made the decision to use hedges as an alternative to traditional fencing, there are a few things to keep in mind before you go in search of shrubs to plant. First, confirm in your mind that you will have the time to work with the hedges after work or on the weekends. Newly planted flowers or shrubs of any kind need a lot of initial attention so that they can spread their roots and settle into their new homes. You may have to water them more often and perform a lot of routine maintenance, such as weeding out invading species and pruning those plants that are not growing well. Just remember that the time you put into your hedge fence initially will come back to you in the way of a healthy and attractive landscape down the road.
Once you are sure that you can provide the time and energy needed to establish your hedge fence, you will have to do a bit of research to determine what your native plants and shrubs are. You certainly do not want to plant any kind of shrub that will not survive the local climate. Native plants, those that are found growing wild in your area, are best to use as a foundation to your hedge fence because they have already proven themselves, they are sturdy and well-suited to the soil. Check with your local nursery to find an appropriate foundation species if you are unsure of the native plants in your area.
Finally, the time has come to plant your hedges for your fence. It is at this time that you will want to remember the advantages of the fencing you have chosen rather than the work you will have to do to put the fence together. A little bit of planning now can save a headache later. Consider the final, mature size of the shrub or hedge that you are planting, not how close you can get them right now, and plant extra shrubs or flowers along the front or in between the row of foundation hedges, not in place of them. Replacing a section of a hedge fence because of disease is one thing; having to buy a hedge to replace a plant that did not belong in the fence to begin with is quite another. More than likely you will never have to deal with replanting or replacing once the fence is established and growing well.
Hedges serve as a wonderful alternative to traditional metal or wood fencing, because they increase the aesthetic value of your home in addition to inviting natural beauty into your neighborhood. As the world begins to slow down and realize the importance of preserving nature, hedge fences will overrun all of those old, rusty remnants of the industrial age and reveal the gentle potential of the future.
Related Tags: garden, home, landscaping, landscape, hedge, gardener, landscaper
Paul Duxbury writes extensively on a range of topics including Gardening and you can read more at http://www.garden-care-centre.com
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Decorative Garden Fence Materials
A decorative garden fence is more than just a boundary, it can provide protection for your precious - If You Like Gardening Orreally Would Like To Raise Your Own Vegetables, Gardening Organically Is A Useful Method Safe For Your Family And The Environment
Natural gardening is a key part of sustainability for our Earth and for ourselves. Gardentoad needs - Fresh Herb Gardening Is A Sure Winner For Delicious Meals
Fresh herb gardening is a marvelous way to spice up your cooking bringing a bouquet of tang to your - Contemporary Planters For Outdoor Dining Spaces
Restaurants come in different styles and dining themes: Mexican, Italian, Japanese, Classical, Conte - Where Do You Put Your Greenhouse?
Sighting and orientation are two of the most important decisions you need to make before you pour th - How To Use Orchid Lights
If you are planting orchids indoors, then lights is necessary when there is less light during the se - Experts At Diy Matters Warn Gardeners To Protect Their Plants From Cold Weather
For avid gardeners, the looming cold weather can mean tough times ahead.So, as the new season approa - Have You Noticed These 3 Warning Signs Of An Ineffective Compost Pile?
When it comes to composting, I tend to believe there's a bit of an art to it. Yes, there's plenty of - Flowers May Be One of Nature's Greatest Gifts
The world is changing. Everywhere you look things are more modernized. Every year there is a new typ - Wormery Inventors Expand With New Warehousing Space
(September 30th 2010) Rural Devon based Original Organics Ltd, inventors of the Wormery, grew their
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Pondless Waterfalls: Why Pondless?
Who built the first pondless waterfall? If I had to venture a guess, God did. What exactly is a po - Pondless Waterfalls: Concrete Vs. Pond Liner
The get-rich-quick factor in the pond liner industry has forced up the price of pond liner kits to e - Ponds & Waterfalls: Layout & Excavation
First of all: know what you want. If you need some ideas, visit the library or your local book stor - Koi Pond or Pondless Waterfall: Where Do I Begin?
1.) Have you thought about A Water Feature?-- Is it true that a water feature will add equity to my - Koi Pond: Finding a Contractor - 18 Important Things to Know
Because there is such a wide range of information to be learned on this topic of koi pond and waterf - Koi Pond: Which Pump to Use
When I started in the waterfall and pond design & construction business in January of 1982, I was as - Why You Should Settle for A Frog Fountain
The natural habitat of a frog is usually next to some pond or anywhere there is usually a good suppl - Get Your Garden Cooking With Friable Soil
Oh sure, fried green tomatoes are ok; but I'll take an extra helping of friable soil any day! This - Vegetable Gardening - A Rewarding Hobby
More and more people are taking up vegetable gardening as it is gaining popularity. Vegetable garden - When Miniaturizing Your Bonsai Tree
When miniaturizing the bonsai tree, it is important that know how to prune your tree. The major part