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Hedge Your Bets...

The Dictionary defines the meaning of ‘Hedge One’s Bets’ as to protect against loss.
This guide will show that by planting an organic defensive barrier:
  • It can be tough as a security fence, yet kind to the environment.
  • It will also help to recreate many wildlife habitats, which sadly have been lost over the years
  • Keeping human intruders at bay, it will provide food and safe sites for a variety of birds, mammals, butterflies and wild flowers

Whether the property is a dwelling or commercial, thieves prefer easy access to the rear where they can work unseen. Barrier planting can go a long way to making that route difficult.Planting can reinforce an existing boundary fence if planted adjacent to it or if you prefer, can in time completely engulf a fence with the hedge.

Unfortunately, nature cannot be rushed and a good hedge will take up to 4 years to become a real defensive barrier. A temporary barrier would be advised, such as posts set in the ground joined by rails or wires. Alternatively, pergolas (arch of trellis work), and arbours (wooden framework to accommodate climbing plants) can be made vandal resistant and will provide protection until the hedge is established.Small diameter wood can be used for the construction of these decorative and environmentally friendly fences.Roses, which send out long and thorny shoots, can be planted and trained along the fence. These will spread very quickly and can later be trimmed back as the main hedge grows up.
The best type of hedge contains a range of species, each offering specific benefits to wildlife and handicaps to intruders. Leaf shapes, colours, flowers, berries or even the different shades of bark add to the visual attraction of the hedge.Did you know that hawthorn, the most common hedge shrub attracts over 200 species of insect? These insects become an important food source for small birds and mammals along with the red berries the hawthorn produces.The hawthorn can be easily grown and will soon be teeming with wildlife. This shrub is such an obvious visual deterrent, no person would be likely to do more than stand back and admire it, rather than attempt to climb through.
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