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Granity · 18-07-2011, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ragnar

In article ,
Ragnar wrote:

Your post suggests that you may have a historic hedge, as it contains
'many
differnt species'. If this is the case then it would be wrong to mistreat
it.
To find out how old the hedge is, select a 30 yard length and count the
species of hedging plants (ignore herbaceous plants and climbers such as
dog
rose and honeysuckle). The number of species indicates the age of the
hedge
in centuries. If the answer seems unlikely try a different 30 yard
length.
If you do indeed have a historic hedge then your local council may know
someone who can give advice on how best to conserve it.

It can be SERIOUSLY misleading. It is a fairly good rule for
farm hedges which were originally planted from a single species,
but often fails horribly for other types.

I counted no fewer than 9 'indicator' species in my neighbour's
hedge, which I happen to know was planted in 1930. The reason is
that the neighbouring gardens (including mine) had seed trees etc.
of many of the relevant species, and the base of the hedge had
often been kept clearish, thus allowing them to germinate.

Regards,
Nick Maclaren.

Quite right to point out the pitfalls of 'Hoopers Law' Nick. Also, many
plantsmen nowadays offer 'hedgerow mix' containing several species. However
the OP's description sounds suggestive of an older hedge so is worth
investigating.
R.

Don't whatever you do invite a conservationist into your garden, if he sees a rare plant you'll suddenly find a conservation order on your garden and you wont be able to dig it or change it. (bit extreme but it has happened)

If the hedge is reasonably dense low down and not too tall then get somebody to murder it for you in the Autumn/Winter, or, if it's tall and straggly, get someone in to lay it for you and spent some time helping him so as you get to know how to do it.