episode 195 | show notes & advice
episode description
Biodiversity thrives on the presence of hedges, and autumn presents a wonderful time to get them planted, bringing a beautiful birdsong into your garden.
Adam Nicolson joins Sarah for this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, sharing his ever-bountiful knowledge on all things biodiversity, and which hedges are perfect protection for an enchanting ensemble of birds and butterflies.
In this episode, discover
- How maintaining hedges at a warbler-y phase helps songbirds in particular
- Leafy, thorny and nectar rich hedges to grow, like yew, hornbeam and privet
- How to put hedges into the garden, and at what time in the season is ideal
links and references
Order Sarah’s new book - A Year Full of Pots
Order Sarah’s book - A Year Full of Flowers
Order Sarah’s book - A Year Full of Veg
Sarah Raven's Garden Cookbook | Sarah Raven
Shop on the Sarah Raven Website
Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com
Episode 195 advice sheet
The importance of hedge planting (0:00)
Sarah and Adam both feel strongly about the value of hedges in providing a rich, protective refuge for wildlife, particularly noticeable by the increased number of songbirds you’ll hear in a garden with hedges.
The size of a hedge row might vary, but planting at angles and with multiple rows can form a better barrier to protect small mammals from the elements.
Great varieties to plant (7:55)
When planning a hedge, it's important to choose a diverse mix of plant species to provide food, shelter and nesting sites throughout the year. Some of Sarah and Adam’s top picks are the autumn-fruiting ivy, leafy and thorny things like yew and hornbeam, or old favourites like honeysuckle.
Planting and maintaining hedges in your garden (10:10)
One needs to time the planting out of hedges carefully - Adam warns against planting young plants into ground that’s frozen, or too soggy. ‘Wind death’ also presents a threat before a hedgerow is fully established.
If you’re looking to be kind to birds, maintaining your hedges shouldn’t be done aggressively. Sarah and Adam hint at trimming lightly in the spring when new growth is emerging.
