Hedges

A well maintained (clipped, fed and watered) hedge is very easy on the eye. If you want lush, geometric, precise hedges you must, as well as frequent clipping, both feedthe plants and ensure a good watersupply. Clipping hedges to keep them looking sharp and manicured is relatively straight forward though professional gardeners are generally at an advantage here, not necessarily entirely because of skills or experience but also because of equipment.

There are ‘techniques’ to trimming hedges but these techniques only really work if you are also using the right equipment (an old blunt pair of rusty shears won’t cut it (apologies for the pun)).

If you want a compact hedge with great foliage; ensure a good water supply, a regular feed and if you’re not using a professional gardener for regular clipping invest in the best equipment you can afford.

Lilly Pilly and Murrayaare two common ‘boundary’ hedging plants in Sydney, other plants that can be used include Viburnums, Photinias, Camellias, even Magnolias.

Bambooof the clumping variety, often gets a bad press but can be very useful in particular circumstances, generally narrow and confined spaces. This can often lead to gardeners being required to come up with unusual and inventive ways of then maintaining them.

The most popular plant for smaller internal / ‘border’ hedging is Japanese Buxus, an excellent plant with tight, verdant foliage. If in coastal location then Westringia is often a better bet.