Hi everyone,
We’re looking at planting a Hornbeam hedge really soon but I need some advice about an accompanying fence. Ideally I’d have no fence at all but a high local rabbit population rules that out! So the next best thing would be to have an inconspicuous fence that the hedge covers to give the beauty of the hedge with the additional security of the concealed fence.

The hedge will run north to south in an arc for a total of 45 metres and will border our exposed country garden from a concrete drive that is shared by us and the local farmer. Between the drive and the hedge position is a strip of grass currently about 2 foot wide. Inside the hedge position (dilapidated picket fence currently) is a strip about 3 feet wide which meets a row of mature fruit tress (apple, pear, plum). As space is rather limited, and because we will need to bury chicken wire facing towards the drive to deter burrowing, a double row with a small fence between the rows is I think not practicable.

My current thinking is to lay chicken wire along the strip, burying half of it towards the drive to stop burrowing, and to have the other half upright close to the hornbeam transplants, supported by wooden stakes – say 2-3 feet high? Although this wont look particularly attractive initially, once the hornbeam develops it should grow through the fencing and begin to hide it, and by the time the stakes rot I think it should be self-supported by the hedge.

I have no doubt you learned gardeners will have better ideas! It may be helpful to add that we do not border other properties and that our house is extended Victorian cottage. Beyond the drive I mention is a summerhouse, chicken house, orchard and kitchen garden - just to paint a picture for you!