A colorful, blooming wild hedgenot only offers privacy protection, but is also environmentally friendly. Birds, insects and small garden animals find shelter and food there. In nature, such a hedge consists of several zones. We explain how to create such a wild hedge and offer a planting plan for privacy protection using flowering native shrubs, trees and perennials.
No matter whether large or small: There is enough space for a wild hedge in every garden. The design principles are very simple. In nature, every hedge consists of three zones. Tall bushes and trees grow in the middle (the core). Among theTrees grow ground coveror perennials for shade. There are various bushes right next to the trees. Sub-shrubs and low perennials grow at the end of the hedge.
When to create a wild hedge?The right time to create a wild hedge is spring. This allows the trees and bushes to develop their roots. But even if you miss the time in spring, you can still plant young plants in the ground in spring.
Wild hedge plant spacing:In zone 1, the trees and tall shrubs are 120cm – 200cm apart. In zone 2 the bushes are 80 cm – 100 cm apart. In zone 3, plant spacing is about 70 cm. Get advice from the tree center about the space required and the minimum distance between each type of plant.
Design a narrow wild hedge for the small garden:A natural hedge takes up significantly more space than an evergreen hedge. However, with a few tricks it is possible to make the wild hedge narrower. A clever and space-saving idea is to plant the hedge in a corner. You can also only plant the trees and bushes in one row. If the available space is really limited, you can plant tall shrubs instead of trees in the core (Zone 1). The minimum garden area you need for a wild hedge is 20 square meters.
Wild hedge made from native shrubs, perennials and trees
The first plant mix is made up of native shrubs, trees and perennials. Blackthorn is perfect for compacted soil and can thrive even in windy locations.
Plants for the hedge:
- 50% of the blackthorn hedge (Zone 2)
- 10% bird cherry (zone 1)
- 10% black alder or field maple (zone 2)
- 10% dog rose (also known as dog rose) or hornbeam as a possible replacement (zone 3)
- 10% hazelnut bush (also known as common hazelnut or wild hazel) zone 3
Demands on location and soil: The hedge plants thrive best in sunny to partially shaded locations. A moderately dry to fresh, sandy, alkaline to slightly acidic soil offers the best conditions for rapid plant growth.
Create a natural hedge: These wild hedge plants provide privacy even in winter
The nearest shrubs, trees and perennials offer privacy not only in spring and summer, but also in autumn and winter. Their berries provide food for insects and birds, and the flowers attract bees. This wild hedge is guaranteed to remain an eye-catcher in the garden all year round.
Plants for the hedge:
- 50% of the hedge is hawthorn
- 20% hornbeams
- 10 % Feldahorn
- 10 % Schwarzdorn (Schlehe)
- 10% privet
These wild hedge plants are also not particularly demanding. They thrive in sunny as well as partially shaded and shady locations. The plants prefer moderately dry to moist soil with a high sand content.
Cut and maintain wild hedges
The natural hedge requires little care and is not particularly demanding. It is enough if you give the hedge a nourishing topiary every 2-3 years. It's more about thinning out so that all plants get enough sunlight. If there are persistent dry periods in summer, you should also water the hedge from time to time.
A wild hedge enriches the garden and provides a habitat for small garden animals, birds andvarious insects. It is easy to care for and undemanding. A natural hedge takes up more space than an evergreen hedge, but you can make it narrower with a few tricks. When planting, you should pay particular attention to the zoning.
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