Hew Moore wrote:
snip
Question for this knowledgeable group ...
We have a large (long) Leylandii hedgerow which breaks the wind over
our property in rural Lincolnshire - it's open farmland to the next
village, about 2m to the West. There is a breeze most days and when
it blows - it blows. The hedge seems to start it's smaller branches
about 12 - 18 inches above the garden and I think the former owner
had the garden top soiled and landscaped as there is probably
another
18" to 2ft drop into the field beyond.
With this new farm stewardship scheme being implemented by DEFRA, you
may find that the farmer will allow his field edges to develop
naturally for the sake of the wildlife. That could mean that your
hedge bottom will infill naturally from his side.
During "the season" - that is the "weed season" - weed seeds seem to
blow under the hedge from the uncultivated edges of the farmland and
I am getting several lots of nettles and other weeds growing in the
lawn (it's not a show lawn). They are difficult to get rid of
without
killing the grass.
There are several agricultural weedkillers which are specially
formulated to kill off nettles, thistles, docks, etc. without damaging
grazing pasture (ie your lawn). One that I have used in the past was
called (appropriately) Grazon. These are not readily available from
the local garden centre but, a quiet word with a neighbouring farmer
might get you a cupful (it is potent stuff and requires much
dilution).
I am looking for something to help stop the ingress of weeds from
the
field side and wondered about the lavender - maybe take some
cuttings
and build a bush hedge up as we go along?
Nice source of food for the birds, and we have a lot!
Sensible thoughts and other ideas most welcome
And for a horticultural under hedge blocker, you might try Honesty.
Honestly. :-))
It naturally took up residence under our Leylandii and does the job
quite effectively.
Both suggestions are tried and tested in rural Lincolnshire. ;-))
--
ned
http://www.bugsandweeds.co.uk
last update 27.11.2005