It is important to consider plant suitability for the particular environment in which it will be grown in. When choosing plants for difficult situations, select them carefully. By their nature, hedging plants tend to be pretty tough, but thoughtful selection may avoid any future plant performance issues and disappointment. For instance, NZ native plants aren't necessarily the most appropriate option for enclosed urban environments, and don't tolerate water-logged soils well. Also, not all hedges that grow happily in-ground are well-suited to long-term container planting. Refer to our INSTANT HEDGE RANGE for information to help choose the best instant hedge for your situation. Sunlight hours, shade, wind, frost, water access, drainage, available space, and your desired hedge height are some of the important considerations.
Hedges can be more than just ‘the walls’ of your outdoor room. Consider ways they can be used to give direction, channel traffic through a space, enclose an area, and give screening and privacy. Hedges are also commonly used to link different architectural elements within a landscape, and to provide a safety barrier to hazards.
Hedges can be used to soften architecture, emphasis a view or object, and add dynamic changes with each season. A hedge may attract birds, supply colour, flowers, texture, scent, and fruit. Use hedges to link and unify a garden or create a background. Hedges don’t always have to be straight. Consider incorporating curves, waves, pillars and topiary. Creating a ‘window’ or an entrance in a hedge can look pretty cool, too.
Hedges can be used to reduce or increase airflow through an area. Decreased airflow is achieved by planting a tall, small-leafed hedge to filter the wind. You can deflect wind by using a shorter thick hedge. Increased airflow can be achieved by deflection of air into an area. This may help to cool a hot courtyard, for example. Larger leafed hedges can help reduce traffic noise by absorbing and deflecting sound and can filter vehicle emissions on a busy road. Appropriately placed hedges can be used to help stabilize ground where soil erosion or slippage is a concern.
