A question for our gardening experts....................

We live on heathland in Christchurch, Dorset,  we are looking for suggestions on reasonably fast growing shrubs/hedging that we can plant on the outside of our existing boundary fencing. The soil here contains quite a lot of lime, and is very peaty, sandy, and wet.

Our existing fencing is solid fencing to half way and then stock fencing to a total height over about 7ft, attached to the stock fencing at the moment we have brush fencing. Although we will have to replace the brush fencing anyway, we are looking for a more natural solution in keeping with the surroundings. Any ideas??

I would think some kind of conifir rach will ask my gardening hubby..:wink:

A lot depends on the site, but for some ideas look up

Escallonia
Griselinia littoralis

Elaeagnus pungens "Maculata"

Some of the David Austin rose hybrids make good hedges.

http://www.davidaustinroses.com/english/Advanced.asp?PageId=1896

I would suggest Escallonia too.  We used to have an Escallonia hedge years ago which was lovely. Ours had a pale pink/white flower and large, slightly glossy leaves.  It was called "Apple Blossom" I think.  Just watch which variety you choose as some are not evergreen and they don't look to good in winter! 

Hi Rachel,

Escallonia is a good one, depending on the variety you choose, mainly because it will grow in all soils. Stay clear of Ericaceous plants as they are acid loving, although you can try and change your soil to suit your needs, however this will be and on going thing, which will need work every year.

Depending on the type of hedge you are trying to achieve, ie hieght and width, and how long you want to wait for this to be achieved, you will defo need the right shrub for the job.

Mikes idea of the roses is a good one, I would say to go for the David Austin roses too, as they are the best roses, and more disease tollerant than a general rose brought from homebase etc, but If you want a thick ish hedge that you cant see through then find a hedge shrub you like and grow the rose through it, it looks really good, and adds a bit of colour at intervals.

What plant is best for you?, well soil can be manipulated, so you coud go for anything your heart desires then change the soil ph to your needs,

Photinia Red Robin is a good fast growing shrub for hedges, privet is a good one , hawthorne hedges are quiet sturdy, Escallonia, You can do a rose hedge.

Are you bothered about flowers, or do you just want a hedge that is a wild life grabber, and a bit more natural than fencing?

A good thing to do, and i say this to all my new customers, is to look around at what is growing in the area that you like, ie local town, next doors garden etc, chances are, that if its growing well in theres , it will grow fine in yours,

Thanks Harry

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions, have had a look at the various possibilities and will let you know the final choice................Harry, I'm not necessarily bothered about flowers, but just want something natural and in keeping with the surroundings...........on the heath we have wild rhoddies, holly trees and bushes, gorse and heather and lots of marsh willows, and silver birch.

The other consideration is the deer that frequent the drive and front garden, last year they very kindly came and ate the honeysuckle just before it was about to flower, pruned my two rose bushes, and took all the heads off the flowers in the flower beds...............we planted more shrubs at the end of last summer, so we will see how they fair this year:dry:

Oh my you have some decisions to make rach and phil..

I think planning our gardens is just as hard as planning our home decorations..

Both involve loads of hard work....:ohmy:

I'm a bit of a traditionalist, something like a mixed Hawthorn, Blackthorn and Buckthorn hedge is great for wildlife and easily trimed with hedgecutters.  It would stop deer, though my dream home would be one where I have roe deer raiding the garden for rose buds.