Hedge-laying versus hedge cutting
Spring is one of the most beautiful times of the year, and perfect for hedge laying. Everything starts to blossom and new immaculate leaves are sprouting on branches and twigs. This applies not only to trees and bushes but also to hedges. However, observing miles and miles of hedges butchered by brutal machinery along my way to work unfortunately shows another picture. Yes, there are leaves popping out but comparatively few flowers can be seen, meaning hardly any food for bees and other important insects.
Our hedges
Our hedges were never cut since we moved in 2012 which allowed them to grow in height but not in thickness thus we started last season with our first stage of hedge laying as reported in my last article. The result is absolutely stunning. Despite the fact that the hedge plants had their stems cut into at the base, and were then bent over horizontally, they did not suffer any setback. In contrast, they are flowering as a three dimensional living wall as you can see on the photo of our small willow hedge.
Before and after laying
This photo clearly shows the difference before/after laying: on the right the tall see-through original hedge, and on the left the lower solid wall of the laid hedge. The laid hedge will soon start to send shoots upwards and regain height again. Please contact us if you would like see our laid hedges.
In the last edition I wrote about the Grow-a-row project. If you would like to take part, now is the time to grow an extra row in your garden or allotment. Please contact us or the initiator Ros Norton at rosecanna@outlook.com and take part at this fantastic project (more details in last edition).
Unfortunately, nobody solved last edition’s quiz. Hence, I repeat the question: When and where was the first hedge laid in the UK? Please email me at railsfarm@phonecoop.coop
Cheerio,
Christoph