In article , Tumbleweed thisaccountneve
writes

"MDJ" wrote in message
...

Hello,

My name is Malcolm. I am a new gardner and very inexperienced. I live
in NW UK.

I wish to establish a 15 metre row of rhododenron bushes to form a more
or less solid hedge with a height of one to one and half metres to hide
a wooden fence and to encorage wildlife into the gaden. Ideally, I
would like to get a variety of plants to provide alonger flowering
season and a range of different colours. Regrettably, i have a
decidedly alkaline soil. The top soil is about 400 cm in depth. Beneath
that is clay. Any advice would be appreciated.


As per CH, dont bother.

Also mystified why you think this is a good way to encourage wildlife,
native UK species such as hawthorn and beech would be far preferable from
that POV.

If you want to encourage wildlife you need to plant native species where
you can. Their berries and seeds will be recognisable to native birds
such as finches. They will also attract native 'pests', and if you
resist the temptation to use pesticides, you will then attract the
insect eating birds like the tits, which are lovely things to have in
the garden.

I agree the rhododendrons are a no-go. I can't advise on the best hedge
for you being on satisfyingly acid soil myself. But your alkaline soil
will be brilliant for wildflowers - try to keep the nutrient value low
(don't apply fertiliser, take the cuttings off when you cut the grass)
as grass out-competes wild flowers when nutrient levels are high. The
number of alkaline loving species seems to be higher than acid ones.

Birds will also appreciate a water source - we saw a huge increase in
bird activity when we linked two of our ponds by a shallow 'stream' just
right for bathing in.
--
Kay
"Do not insult the crocodile until you have crossed the river"