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Narrow hedge ideas for front Garden border

harry.huntharry.hunt Posts: 24
in Garden design
Hi all,

Looking for some inspiration for my front garden design. The front lawn wraps from the front to the right hand side of the house so looking for something just go round the edges of the grass. There isn’t a huge amount of space so don’t want the hedge to be too thick so something narrow and grows to about 3/4ft high (can trim anything taller than this) would be great. Essentially I’d prefer a hedge instead of a fence. 

Any ideas? 

Thanks!

Posts

  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited December 2023
    @harry.hunt A photo would be great if you have one. One plant that might interest you is Euonymous Green Pillar. Could be expensive and not very interesting I would add, you don't want plants that encroach on your lawn this would fit the brief. You will be waiting for it too grow rather than trimming it which you can also do when needed.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • harry.huntharry.hunt Posts: 24
    GardenerSuze said:
    @harry.hunt A photo would be great if you have one. One plant that might interest you is Euonymous Green Pillar. Could be expensive and not very interesting I would add, you don't want plants that encroach on your lawn this would fit the brief. You will be waiting for it too grow rather than trimming it which you can also do when needed.
    Here’s one from when we just got the keys. The darker part near the house is going to be a wild mix of shrubs and flowers etc so need something for the border the other side of the grass. 

    I will take a look at your suggestion, thank you. Ideally something on the less expensive side would be great though! Haha. 
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445
    Privet is cheap and often used in situations like this.


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited December 2023
    @harry.hunt It's a new build? Have you considered a more contempory look using a row of grasses? Would that work with your other plants/?Calamagrostis stands tall all winter.
    What is your soil like are you in a colder area of the uk?
    Good to get lots of ideas out there.
    Just to add expensive shrubs are often the slower growers the nurseryman will have cared for them longer hence the price.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • harry.huntharry.hunt Posts: 24
    GardenerSuze said:
    @harry.hunt It's a new build? Have you considered a more contempory look using a row of grasses? Would that work with your other plants/?Calamagrostis stands tall all winter.
    What is your soil like are you in a colder area of the uk?
    Good to get lots of ideas out there.
    Just to add expensive shrubs are often the slower growers the nurseryman will have cared for them longer hence the price.
    It was a new build 2 years ago. I haven’t, do you have any pictures as example of that please? 
    Soil is ok, compact at present in that area but will dig up and aerate before planting anything. I’m in Kent so a tad warmer as well.
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    I agree with @GardenerSuze, Euonymus Green Pillar or Calamagrostis Karl Foerster would work well there.  I have hedges of both.  It's too dark to photograph the Euonymus hedge now, but here's a single plant, plus the grass hedge.




    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited December 2023
    @harry.hunt I have recently purchased Calamagrostis Eldorado. There is a third C Overdam and I am sure others with various heights.

    They need to be planted when they are actually growing, not in the dormant season so a job for spring. If they start to get too wide they can be split[ not too small pieces] for more plants. This is something you will need to do every few years in spring as they come into new growth as they spread slowly. Height in a small space creates drama.

    At this time of year they are no longer green but a soft beige. By February they can get windblown but at the end of Feb it is time to  cut back to the ground. Within a few weeks they start to grow again from the base.

    More photos on Knoll Gardens web site. A cheaper and more instant alternative to evergreens in a small space that can be managed well.
    Soil prep is the key with a new garden, although they won't welcome lots of added compost or feed and sun is best for good growth.
     
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • harry.huntharry.hunt Posts: 24
    Thanks for all the recommendations so far! I noticed this on my dog walk earlier, anyone know what these are called? 
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    That looks like Privet.  You can buy bare root plants at this time of year so a good option for cost saving!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


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