Are you tired of looking at your brown or faded fence as a backdrop to your garden? Consider planting a hedge as an alternative. Popular, and less expensive to install than a traditional fence, hedges have been common in the central and eastern U.S. for decades, especially where properties are larger, and a more natural alternative to property lines is desired.
If you own a home with an existing fence, there are some things you want to keep in mind. First, planting a solid hedge in front of (inside) your fence will make your garden look smaller because it has the effect of bringing your property line closer in. If a fence already exists, consider breaking up the view of the fence instead by planting a taller hedge-type shrub between each pair of fence posts. This will still allow the eye to see the fence line and perceive the full size of your yard.
Next, consider how tall you want your hedge to be at maturity, so that you don’t have to prune as much. Often, homeowners make the mistake of selecting plants on looks instead of function, and end up having to prune frequently. If low maintenance is a consideration, make sure to include this as a priority in your selection. Some plants also have thorns that will help keep the neighbor kids out…but aren’t much fun when you are pruning.
Finally, consider foliage color and whether or not you want your hedge plants to bloom. Foliage other than green can add interest to a garden and really make it “pop.” Flowers can add to the overall look of a hedge but may attract bees. If your hedge is close to a pool or entertainment area, you might want to select a non-blooming variety.