Native hedging plants
Native hedging refers to plants that originated in Britain and have grown here for thousands of years, as opposed to varieties which originally grew elsewhere. Native hedging helps maintain the traditional structure and appearance of the British countryside, whilst also providing a habitat for wildlife, insects and birds. More specifically, “native” refers to plants that colonised Britain during the time between the end of the ice age (that’s about 10,000 years ago) and the formation of the English Channel caused by the gradual expansion of lakes and rivers several thousands of years later. Natives are particularly useful for sub-urban and country gardens to provide privacy in a way that’s in-keeping with the existing landscape, including varieties such as box hedging, hawthorn, holly, green or gold privet, cherry laurel and yew. Most of our native hedging is supplied in pots and can be planted at any time of the year, providing the ground is not frozen or waterlogged. Some are also supplier bare root, suitable for planting during the dormancy period between mid-October and the end of March. Bare root plants can be a great, cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for many people, providing you don't mind venturing out into the garden in late autumn or winter to plant them.