Shrubs or trees or sub-shrubs planted at regular intervals to from a continuous screen is called a hedge.
A hedge in a garden is planted with two objectives. One is protective which means protection against theft, trespass, wind etc. and the other is for ornamental purpose or screening.
The garden hedge can serve the purpose of a
Compound wall to ensure privacy.
Screen to screen unwanted items and using spots.
Background for a floral display.
Space divider to separate one component of a garden from the other
Hedging should be proportional to the size of garden.
It should not be overdone, especially in a small garden.
Overcrowding of hedges robs other plants in the garden with valuable soil nutrients, sunshine and air.
In very small gardens instead of hedge, a decent looking fence with some climbers trained on it can be used.
Ornamental hedges are used to demarcate a rose garden or flower bed or a shrubbery or paths in the garden.
An ideal hedge plant should be quick growing, hardy, dense, and respond to frequent pruning and clipping and can be raised quickly by seed or cuttings.
Attractive foliage and flower will be an added attraction.
For protective hedges, plants should be quick growing, hardy, including drought- resistant character, thorny, dense and respond to frequent pruning and clipping and can be raised quickly by seeds or cuttings.
For ornamental hedges, plants should have attractive foliage and flowers. Should be dense in growth and stand regular clipping.
The ornamental hedges are generally low in height and they do not obstruct the view completely.