In my previous column, I began a discussion about planting a "living" fence that will add drama and interest to your landscape, while providing privacy, a windbreak and a wildlife habitat. If you missed that column, you can find it at www.landsteward.org when you click on "The Plant Man" in the index.
Today, I have some suggestions on ways to make your living fence a little more interesting!
For a start, it doesn't have to be a straight line, even if your boundary line IS. By "boundary line" I mean that line on your property survey that separates your land from your neighbor's. But living fences and other types of screens aren't just for boundaries. It is relatively simple to use shrubs and small trees to define certain areas of your landscape, such as a patio, a vegetable garden or a lawn area where the kids can play.
But let's start with the boundary.
Of course, you might favor the orderly look of a formal hedge. It can be very impressive as you will know if you have ever visited some of the castles and stately homes of Europe. Of course, those landowners employ a small army of gardeners to keep their hedges looking trimmed and neat! You might prefer a somewhat less "care-intensive" solution. A mix of evergreen and deciduous shrubs could be the answer, because you'll spend less time around them with the pruning shears and more time enjoying their looks – all rear round.
Unless the land you are dealing with consists of a very small plot, there is an interesting alternative to a "straight line" hedge. Consider "layering" your boundary planting. Plant some evergreens closest to the boundary line with groups of smaller flowering deciduous shrubs in front. To create interest, avoid the "straight line" effect when planting. Imagine looking down from above and seeing a gentle "snake" effect, or a lazy "S" shape, if the mental image of reptiles makes you shudder. I like to add some ornamental grasses around and in between this type of living fence. The grasses fill in some of the spaces, particularly in the first year or two of growth.
In the previous column on this subject, I mentioned some shrubs that you might want to consider when creating a living fence. If you send an e-mail with a few details to steve@landsteward.org I will try to give you some specific ideas for your project.
Often you have no choice but to include some "hardscape" in your plans. Perhaps there's a chain link fence for safety around a swimming pool, for example. You can give that chain link fence a new life as a trellis if you plant honeysuckle in front of it!
Try Arnold's Red Honeysuckle (Lonicera arnolds red). It's a very tough, adaptable large shrub that is now widely used for creating a dense hedge or screen. Arnold's Red will grow in most soils, except swampy types. I like the fragrant red flowers that arrive in late spring followed by red berries in summer and fall. You can also mix in some Fragrant Honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima) that glows with fragrant pink and white blossoms in spring.
If you're unfamiliar with the word "hardscape", think of it as the inanimate elements of landscaping, such as masonry work, stone walls, brick patios, water features and tile paths. In fact, just about anything that ISN'T part of the "softscape" which, of course, consists of all your green stuff.
In future columns, I'll have some ideas for blending softscape and hardscape to create a pleasing environment within your piece of the planet.
The Plant Man is here to help. Send your questions about trees, shrubs and landscaping to steve@landsteward.org and for resources and additional information, including archived columns, visit www.landsteward.org often.
QUESTION: "I was given a potted mum last fall. After blooming, I planted it in my flower bed and pruned it back to the ground. It came back this year and is starting to bloom. It is over 3 1/2 feet in diameter!! Can I divide it and if so how?" – Lil Atkinson
ANSWER: A few years ago my wife and I purchased some fall Mums. They grew very well, and I did the same to mine as you had done to yours. We ended up calling them "the mums from hell". There were so large and overpowering in the landscape I eventually got rid of them. However, if you want the same thing all over your yard, I would say yes they can be divided. In a couple of years when this happens send me a picture by email and I will put it on the site!
