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New hedge with existing climbers

Hi, I'm looking to plant a mixed native hedge against the back fence of our garden. There are some established existing climbers (clematis and honeysuckle) plus a newly planted (~8months ago) ivy along this fence. Would these existing climbers merge into the newly planted hedge ok? I've attached a photo of the garnde where you can see the climbers in summer last year. Thank you 

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  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Unfortunately, the ivy will probably take over everything once it establishes.

    You can certainly plant hedging, but you'll ned to prep the border well, and then you'd need to accept that the clematis and honeysuckle will get trimmed back every time the hedge is cut. Honeysuckle is often fine in that scenario, but it would depend on the type of  clematis as to how well it would fare  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • LH_BCLH_BC Posts: 6
    Thanks for your reply. I'm not sure the ivy would take over as it's still very small and I've read that it does really well in a native mixed hedge, but I'll keep an eye on it! The other climbers could do with cutting back every so often anyway so that's ok. Thanks again :) 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    It'll depend on the ivy variety, but they take several years to start growing properly. At least a year just to establish   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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