With everything from hedgerow berries to forest-floor fungi reaching a peak, September is a month of plenty. Not a fan of mushrooms? Prepare to be converted, writes Cambridge Cookery MD Tine Roche ...

Understanding the Context

Eight proven varieties from five types of berries form a hedge that fits well in most home gardens. Over about twelve meters in length, early, mid, and late-ripening shrubs follow one another, ... A hedge or hedgerow is a line of closely spaced (3 feet or closer) shrubs and sometimes trees, planted and trained to form a barrier or to mark the boundary of an area, such as between neighbouring properties. A hedgerow can be thought of as a strip of densely planted trees, shrubs and other plants forming a border.

Key Insights

You could think of a hedgerow as a living fence, though a hedgerow should be much wider than a typical fence. Hedgerows provide undisturbed refuge for species of all kinds, creating wildlife corridors, travel lanes or habitat islands. Hedgerows help protect wildlife from predators and provide sheltered access to riparian zones or other water sources. A hedgerow is a line of woody plants, usually trees or bushes, planted closely together to create a living fence. These plantings can also include grasses or shorter non-woody flowers, called forbs, depending on the space and purpose.

Final Thoughts

All About Hedgerows: Why They Help Wildlife and How to Plant Them A hedgerow provides a haven for wildlife and can beautifully screen your property. Find tips, techniques, and plant lists for creating a home hedgerow in this article.