[ajfoggy]

Before the usual starts, this is a serious question

The new house has large front lawn and it's open to the road so I'd like to put some bushes in to form a hedge along the perimeter. I don't want a tall one for privacy really to something to create a boundary.

Any recommendations on which plants to use? Has to be evergreen. Was thinking Laurel but everyone seems to have that.

[3george]

Beech or Hornbeam - not evergreen but does keep leaves on during winter which turn a nice copper colour.

[JD6]

I hesitate to suggest that Box makes a good bush...

[ajfoggy]

Originally Posted by 3george

Beech or Hornbeam - not evergreen but does keep leaves on during winter which turn a nice copper colour.

Yep I did think about beech as well, i'll keep it on the list for now.

[Dave911]

You could use photoinia red robin. Planted this a few years ago for a customer and it is stunning. Bright red foliage which is a welcome change from laurel or conifer.

Could aslo use copper beech which will give you the dark purple leaves in summer and copper in winter.

[Jeff123]

IMO, the best bushes are the ones that don't grow too fast, are evergreen, have flowers and are easy to trim. Garden centres all have people there that can point you in the right direction.

If you get something like Laurel, they grow 2-3 feet per year and you will be spending your free time cutting them down rather than more pleasant pastimes, such as cleaning the car!

[ajfoggy]

Originally Posted by Lobb

Leylandii

Sorry cannot stand them! See too many with dead spots and the roots are a nightmare off them.

[Nobby Clark]

Avoid beech. Although they hold most leaves, they do shed. They are also a nightmare to maintain and require cutting up to twice a year to manage. Over time they will grow thicker and become a chore.

Firs are more manageable in that they are easy to trim. However, many grow from the outside edges so harsh trimming can make them bare.

Box is very slow growing and very expensive for mature bushes.

If it's a boundary, have a think about placing individual dwarf conifers. you can get some that are very slow growing and only reach 7 feet tall.

[999rigger]

Berberis if you want a spiky one and box if you dont.

[Flyboy-fil]

Have used Laurel (Cherry Laurel or sometimes common Laurel) quite a bit in the past. Grows quickly but not out of control like some conifers, also you can really hack it back and it'll grow back unlike a lot of conifers (mentioned above) where you can cut too far back and it'll won't grow back. Evergreen so provides cover in the winter.

Try his link

https://www.hedgesdirect.co.uk/acata...t_Species.html

[robbiep]

Originally Posted by ajfoggy

Before the usual starts, this is a serious question

The new house has large front lawn and it's open to the road so I'd like to put some bushes in to form a hedge along the perimeter. I don't want a tall one for privacy really to something to create a boundary.

Any recommendations on which plants to use? Has to be evergreen. Was thinking Laurel but everyone seems to have that.

Do bear in mind that covenants on a lot of modern properties require the front garden to be open plan.

In addition, it helps with crime prevention. People hanging around the front of the house, by your car on the drive, etc. are clearly visible to anyone passing.

These things have been rather carefully designed into modern developments.

[davyk31]

It's amazing how clean the replies to this thread have been lol

[....,,,,..,,..]

It's worth visiting some establish gardens, such as national trust mansions etc.

You can then see some decent examples of established shrubbery.

Just remember get one that's easy to keep tidy and does not grow aggressively or you will be constantly trimming your bush.

[TouringPleb]

Originally Posted by Brigand

It's worth visiting some establish gardens, such as national trust mansions etc.

You can then see some decent examples of established shrubbery.

Just remember get one that's easy to keep tidy and does not grow aggressively or you will be constantly trimming your bush.

You just couldn't stop yourself could you!

[ajfoggy]

I think I have gone off the ginger bush now, I'm heading towards Laurel but I am a little concerned about maintaining it as the lawns are big enough and there is tonnes to keep nice in the back garden.

[....,,,,..,,..]

Originally Posted by TouringPleb

You just couldn't stop yourself could you!

Nope, no chance.

[Goneinsixtyseconds]

I haven't seen a good bush for years and years now, apparently they're not fashionable anymore. Better to leave your garden bare for improved visibility.

[jnismith]

You want pampas grass. Good chance to meet some new friends

[ajfoggy]

Originally Posted by jnismith

You want pampas grass. Good chance to meet some new friends

Er no thanks, I have heard the rumours!

[hudson012003]

Originally Posted by davyk31

It's amazing how clean the replies to this thread have been lol

Lol, reading my mind

[hudson012003]

Originally Posted by Alex440

I haven't seen a good bush for years and years now, apparently they're not fashionable anymore. Better to leave your garden bare for improved visibility.

[RoShambolt]

We looked at laurel but it's poisonous to dogs I believe. We looked at all the mentioned ones, Boxwood looks very neat but box blight is always a risk that could cost £££ and set you back years.

We went for Griselinia littoralis, it's ever green and easy to maintain. It's been in for three years now and It's rooted well and still healthy and green. Even though I'm not particularly green fingered.

https://www.hedgesdirect.co.uk/acata...ittoralis.html