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Hawthorn hedge in the winter

FlyAgaricFlyAgaric Posts: 4
in Problem solving
Hi We have a house built on old farmland and our back garden is bordered by a long established hawthorn hedge. Although we like the hedge, it provides no privacy in the winter which is a big problem as we are overlooked by a pub.  Can anyone advise how we can increase the level of privacy and still retain the character of the hedge?  At the moment there are three strategically placed conifers which stop the diners in the pub staring straight into our kitchen, however, these are getting very tall and take up a lot of garden space.  Also, they don't provide coverage along the whole length of the hedge so walkers on the public footpath running along the other side of the hedge still get a good view into our garden. If we remove them we'll be exposed to the world so the question is, what can we put in their place? Ideally we'd like to grow something to "mix in" with the hawthorn but we've no idea whether this is even possible with an established hedge and, if it is, what would be the most suitable thing to plant?  Another important factor  is that the hedge is protected so we can't remove it altogether and I wouldn't risk planting something that would dominate and make it unrecognisable as a hawthorn. The garden is south facing so the hedge gets plenty of sun but anything we plant would be in the shadow of the hawthorn its self. I'd be grateful for any suggestions.

Posts

  • Dave MorganDave Morgan Posts: 3,123

    I'd try running several winter flowering clematis through it, evergreen and flowers too, simple but effective.

    Have a look at the link for a selection.

    http://www.taylorsclematis.co.uk/clematis-winter-clematis/

  • bekkie hughesbekkie hughes Posts: 5,294

    hiimage

    ive got a hawthorn hedge too, had the same problem as you, ive done what Dave suggested at one end of the hedge and added shrubs in other parts, ive planted them right amongst the hawthorn, yew seems very happy, laurel is good, but gets a bit big, viburnum seems effective too, ive also found reed screening is fine right against the hedge while the other stuff is growing image

  • FlyAgaricFlyAgaric Posts: 4

    Thank you Dave and Bekkie for your replies. I like the idea of the reed screening as this could be used in place of the conifers while the other stuff is growing.

    Thanks.

  • chickychicky Posts: 10,409

    We have holly mixed in with our hedge - nice and evergreen, and lots of berries about now.  Its easy to hack into shape too - ours had grown into trees when we inherited it - we cut it right back and it is now a lovely dense hedge.

    You could also get some ivy growing through the hawthorn - to give you some evergreen cover, and great for wildlife tooimage

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,064

    You could also replace the conifers with trellis panels up which you can grow evergreen climbers such as ivy, selected clematis and/or honeysuckle or just permanent reed, bamboo or willow screens and then plant attractive shrubs and perennials in front of them.   Leave space to access and trim the hedge.

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • FlyAgaricFlyAgaric Posts: 4

    Thanks to everyone for their suggestions, I'm spoilt for choice now! I just hope I can make the hedge look as good as my neighbour's - it continues along the rear of his garden and his section is very well maintained and pure hawthorn.  I have about 20 meters to deal with and it could do with a good chunk off the height as well. I have my work cut out! 

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445

    The more you cut back  the thicker it will get. You could cut it as far as you like. It's leaving it uncut that creates the see-through effect. 



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • FlyAgaricFlyAgaric Posts: 4
    Thanks Nutcutlet. We inherited the hedge last year and it was getting a bit out of hand - about 10'. Got it down to about 8' with hedge trimmers and loppers but will need better tools or professional help to get it down further. Completely see what you mean about keeping it cut back - my neighbours section is much thicker than mine - still not quite enough privacy in the winter for my liking hence this post. Thanks again for your advice.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117

    If you can stick in a few other whips of something like beech or hornbeam, they will complement the hawthorn but they retain their foliage over winter which might help. The hawthorn will be well rejuvenated if you cut it back hard, which will thicken it up as nut says, and that will help enormously when the foliage drops.  Some screens of trellis and climbers a few feet in front of the hedge will add privacy in summer when you might need it a bit more. They don't have to be wide or completely solid. We did a similar thing at last house as the conservatory - and patio next to it - were quite exposed. There was a basic 'screen' of posts and poles so we added trellis to the middle of these sections and planted ivy on them. It didn't interfere with our views but just gave a bit more privacy when we were outside.image 

    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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