Hedge your bets

In her latest book, British landscape architect Marian Boswall goes back to gardening basics and tells how to create a sustainable, eco-friendly outdoor space

- Marian Boswall

ON THE CURVE This growing tunnel was created from intertwined trees and prunings, then underplanted with nasturtiums, which can be trained to grow upwards.

Plant a dead hedge

In deep shade under trees where the roots are close to the surface and only the smallest holly seedlings can be planted, a dead hedge will protect the plants as they get going.

In the UK it can also be a legal requirement to lay one on construction sites where live hedgerows have been taken out, until a new hedge is established. These features also provide excellent wildlife corridors between territories for small mammals – you will also find birds of prey perching on them to hunt.

As dead hedges decompose, the wood becomes the perfect host for invertebrates and fungi. These hedges also make great barriers and free alternatives to a fence, using cuttings from tree pruning and any woody material that can be laid in rows.

Materials & tools

• String, a hose pipe or small pegs

• Timber posts about 150cm long

• Post driver

• An axe

• Mallet or monkey wrench

• Prunings etc

Step-by-step guide