Hedges have a rich history dating back over 6,000 years. Initially used on farms and homesteads, they served multiple purposes such as marking property lines, containing animals, dividing crop fields, and providing windbreaks. Additionally, hedges were employed to slow down foreign invasions during times of turmoil. As society evolved, so did the purpose of hedges. In the 16th and 17th centuries, they took on a new role – that of living art.
Ornate patterns, walkways, and labyrinths were created using various plant species. This transformation marked a shift from functional to aesthetic use. Today, hedges can be found in diverse settings, including parking lots, suburban yards, and botanical gardens. They are often comprised of boxwoods, privet, arborvitae, or other small-leaved evergreens. While some hedges are meticulously pruned for uniformity, others are left to grow wilder, taking on a more natural appearance.
As someone who values practicality over aesthetics, I find it intriguing that so many people dedicate time and resources to maintaining purely decorative hedges. As a homesteader, my focus lies in using plants that serve multiple purposes – providing sustenance, medicine, supporting wildlife, or deterring pests. If you’re interested in adopting a similar approach, read on for inspiration and ideas to enhance the productivity of your homestead while still appreciating its beauty.
Homesteading Hedges to Create Boundaries
Hedges serve as natural barriers, effectively delimiting distinct garden areas or marking the boundaries between various spaces. A classic example is the hedgerow, a harmonious blend of trees and shrubs, often employed by farmers to separate crop fields. This same principle can be applied to larger properties, where hedges help define property lines, creating a clear visual distinction between adjacent plots.
Fruit and Nut Hedges
When it comes to defining boundaries in your landscape, consider incorporating fruit and nut trees or shrubs. Tall varieties like pecans, walnuts, butternut, and chestnut can serve as striking markers in larger spaces. For a more low-maintenance approach, look to standard-sized disease-resistant apples, Asian pears, or persimmons that don’t require constant pruning. If you prefer a multi-stemmed bush type, Aronia berries and hazelnuts offer the added benefit of being harvestable food sources.
Fodder and Craft Hedges
Willow and bamboo are two exceptional options when it comes to establishing boundaries on your homestead. Not only do they provide a natural barrier, but they also offer a multitude of uses beyond their primary function. For instance, willow can be harvested for livestock fodder and utilized in various craft projects around the homestead. Additionally, its excess growth can be used as a sustainable resource.
Bamboo, on the other hand, is an incredibly versatile option that not only makes a tall and effective boundary hedge but also offers edible shoots, which can be enjoyed as a nutritious snack. Furthermore, bamboo’s sturdy stalks can be harvested for a variety of projects, from gardening to building and crafting. Goats, too, are fond of the leaves, making it a great choice for integrating with your farm animals.
Practical Hedges as a Pollination Barrier
When considering the implementation of pollination barriers, one effective approach is to utilize thickly planted hedges. The scale and type of such a barrier will depend on the likelihood of your plants cross-pollinating. For instance, self-fertile plants or those with specific pollinators may not require as extensive an area, whereas plants that readily cross-pollinate via wind currents will necessitate a more substantial hedged zone.
To illustrate this concept, here are some potential pollination hedge ideas to contemplate.
Flavor Savers
Persian basil, a 4-foot tall flowering variety, serves as an excellent divider in the garden, keeping pepper plants at bay. While peppers are self-pollinating, proximity to other varieties can still impact seed flavor. Cross-pollination between sweet and hot peppers can result in unexpected heat or diminished piquancy. Similarly, bell peppers may lose their sweetness if exposed to jalapeno pollen. To minimize these effects, ensure pepper plants have sufficient physical distance from one another.
A hot season hedge of flowering annuals like edible flowers or buckwheat can further separate them.
Seed Savers
When cultivating Hairy Vetch, its ability to sprawl and entwine with other plants can be leveraged to create natural barriers or thicket-like hedges between planting areas. For instance, allowing it to grow alongside wild blackberry canes can form a dense hedge. Alternatively, if you’re looking to collect seeds for future use, it’s essential to provide ample space between individual plants.
Moreover, Hairy Vetch can also be utilized to capture pollen carried by wind and longer-ranging insects, making it an effective tool for cross-pollination. To enhance its pollinating capabilities, I often stake heavily planted Hairy Vetch to create a ‘pollen net’ effect, where the vines wrap around sticks and stakes, forming a lush canopy of foliage that can reach heights of 6-7 feet.
Protective Hedges for Pest Reduction
While certain types of hedges, such as those with strong fragrances or toxic properties, can provide a degree of natural pest control by deterring unwanted insects and animals, it’s essential to note that this method may not be universally effective.
Toxic Nightshades
While some gardeners might swear that deer or rabbits can devour anything in sight, including supposedly toxic plants like tomatoes or potato tops, a strategic plant selection can still provide protection for your prized greens. In areas where food is abundant, these pests are less likely to target certain plants when alternative sources are available. A clever approach is to create ‘hedge’ barriers using palatable yet unappealing plants.
For instance, a potato hedge around your lettuce bed might confuse or deter unwanted visitors, while a perimeter row of tomatoes can slow down their advance. The nightshade family’s toxic compounds, including solanine, found in these plants, act as natural deterrents for mammals seeking sustenance.
Fragrant Distractions
To deter garden pests like voles, rabbits, and deer from invading your garden, consider planting strong-scented herbs like mints, marigolds, chives, garlic, and lavender. These pungent plants can be used to create a natural barrier that will discourage unwanted visitors. To maximize their effectiveness, plant them densely in a hedge formation that critters must pass through to reach your prized plants.
As they attempt to navigate the fragrant obstacle course, they’ll release the aroma and become hesitant to venture further. This clever tactic not only deters larger pests but also has potential benefits against insect infestations. Simply damage the leaves regularly to unlock the full potency of these aromatic deterrents.
Pretty Hedges to Provide Privacy
Mammoth Sunflowers
Surrounding your outdoor dining spaces with Mammoth sunflowers offers a triple threat: visual appeal, supplemental food for yourself or livestock, and a clever way to keep curious neighbors at bay from your fresh, homemade culinary creations. However, it’s essential to exercise caution and verify local regulations before planting, as some municipalities or homeowner associations might prohibit the creation of privacy hedges.
Jerusalem Artichoke
A small patch of Jerusalem artichoke plants, measuring just 5 feet tall, will soon double in size as it reaches its full potential. This summer annual grows up to 10-12 feet tall during the warmer months and is characterized by small sunflower-like flowers that bloom in September and October. After a light frost or two, the tubers are ready for harvest, boasting a crunchy texture similar to an apple and a flavor reminiscent of herby potatoes.
To maximize their growth, Jerusalem artichokes thrive when planted along fences or staked to provide support. For a dense hedge effect, they require deep soil and fertilization to prevent spindly growth and disease susceptibility. I find them particularly useful for disguising unsightly areas around chicken coops, as the rich manure produced by these birds naturally enriches the soil, making it ideal for the plants’ development.
Provisional Hedges for Biodiversity
A homestead is not truly complete unless it’s teeming with wildlife and intentional livestock alike. The absence of this synergy can lead to a plethora of pest problems, reduced crop yields due to pollination issues, and increased expenses to feed your poultry without the natural benefits that come from having insect-loving companions. To promote biodiversity and alleviate these concerns, consider incorporating some of the following hedge plants into your homesteading landscape.
Mulberry
Mulberry trees or shrubs are renowned for their rapid growth rate and delectable berries. In addition, they provide a nutritious snack for silkworms and other caterpillars, as well as being a popular treat for goats. With its extremely low maintenance requirements and impressive productivity, this versatile plant is an excellent choice for integrating into your backyard ecosystem.
Consider planting mulberries along your duck run to create a shaded haven that not only provides a free food source for your ducks but also attracts a wider variety of insects and wildlife to the area.
Elderberry
Elderberry is a highly productive option for creating a thriving hedge that also supports local wildlife and livestock alike. In our experience, ducks have been known to make themselves right at home beneath the shade provided by elderberry hedges on sweltering summer days. Not only do they indulge in the ripe berries, but they also feed on the abundant grasshoppers that congregate on the leaves of these versatile plants.
Sumac
Sumacs that begin with the botanical name ‘Rhus’ (excluding the toxic varieties) exhibit shrubby characteristics and spread via underground rhizome runners. These trees provide an abundance of nectar-rich flowers, attracting pollinators galore. Additionally, their leaves are a valuable resource for compost piles and can serve as livestock feed. Some species even boast edible pericarps that can be used as a flavorful spice.
When planted densely, mature plants tend to remain compact, while younger specimens thrive as understory support for taller vegetation. This versatility makes them an excellent choice for creating hedges in areas with challenging growing conditions.
Smart Hedges to Add Functional Beauty
On my homestead, I’m not just drawn to hedges for their practical purposes – though they do offer numerous benefits when it comes to managing livestock and defining property lines. What really sets them apart is the enduring sense of visual appeal they bring to our ever-changing landscape.
As a working farm with a constant flux of crops coming in and out of production, hedges provide a welcome dash of consistency amidst the chaos, offering something beautiful to behold no matter the time of year.
Lemon Balm
On my homestead, lemon balm is a frequent sight, lining the dirt paths that crisscross my property. This versatile herb’s value extends beyond its culinary uses, as I also cultivate it to create insect repellent and mulch for other plants. By incorporating groups of herbs like lemon balm into your garden design, you can add visual interest without sacrificing space.
For instance, I use it to hedge in areas around my fruit trees or along pathways, transforming previously underutilized spaces into intentional and harmonious environments.
Common Plantain
Despite its reputation as a weed, plantain is often overlooked for its remarkable adaptability and versatility. When it’s forced to thrive in challenging conditions like compacted soil or heavy shade, it appears as a small, unassuming plant with limited aesthetic appeal. However, when provided with dedicated space and optimal growing conditions, plantain transforms into a stunning specimen that rivals other medicinal herbs in beauty and potency.
Its unique characteristics make it an ideal candidate for cultivation in controlled environments, where it can be pruned regularly to prevent flowering and spreading. One of the most notable applications of plantain is its ability to soothe the itching caused by insect bites, making it a valuable addition to homemade skincare routines. Personally, I utilize plantain to brew teas that help alleviate my asthma symptoms.
As an added benefit, the plant’s presence along the pathways leading to my pond serves as a natural hedge, preventing erosion and keeping my ducks at bay.
Fragrant Hedges to Cultivate Spices
I’ve developed a passion for cultivating spice plants as ornamental hedges, and my enthusiasm has driven me to author a comprehensive guide called ‘Grow Your Own Spices’, which is slated for release in December 2020. This endeavour has allowed me to appreciate the aesthetic appeal of spices when grown as hedges, and I’m excited to share some of my personal favorites with you.
Mustard
A raised bed garden can be elevated to new heights with a vibrant flowering mustard hedge serving as a stunning backdrop. This versatile crop not only adds visual appeal, but also provides a bounty of seeds that can be used to create condiments and enhance the flavor of curries. Initially, the plants develop into leafy bushes around 2 feet tall, but as they mature and produce seeds, they can grow up to 5-6 feet in my garden.
To create a unique and intentional landscape feature, I incorporate mustard beds around the perimeter of my garden, allowing them to evolve into large hedges. Once the seeds have formed but require further drying before harvest, I tie the plants together to create a whimsical ‘seed tree’ display, adding an extra layer of charm and character to my garden.
Coriander
When it comes to creating a visually appealing and fragrant hedge, coriander is an excellent choice. My personal experience has been that a two-foot-wide hedge made from coriander plants can be quite striking, thanks to their delicate white lace flowers. Not only are these blooms stunning, but they also emit a pleasant aroma, making them an ideal addition to outdoor dining areas.
Poppies
For a low-maintenance yet striking addition to your outdoor space, consider cultivating a hedge of breadseed poppies (Papaver rhoeas). With proper care, you can harvest a year’s supply of these versatile seeds. Before getting started, ensure that it is legal to grow breadseed poppies in your area, as regulations may vary by region.
When successfully established, these lovely flowers will reach heights of 3-5 feet, depending on the specific variety.
As the seed pods mature and dry, they take on a stunning appearance, but be sure to harvest them before the vents open to avoid losing your crop and potentially encouraging unwanted poppy growth in future seasons.
Sesame
Sesame, a visually striking spice plant, bears a strong resemblance to leafy okra. Its stature can reach up to 4-6 feet tall, depending on the specific variety, making it an attractive addition to any garden. As a pollinator magnet, sesame plants are sure to attract a flurry of beneficial insects. While they do require a long hot season or indoor start, these plants are remarkably resilient and can thrive as a hedge for up to 120 days or throughout your entire growing season.
Homesteading Hedges For Year-Round Interest
While many of the hedges I’ve mentioned earlier are truly stunning during their active growing seasons, there are a few that maintain their beauty and charm throughout the year.
Bay Laurel
For homeowners in USDA zones 8 and above, Bay Laurel is an ideal choice for creating a lush evergreen hedge. This versatile plant can be pruned to maintain a shrub-like shape or trained as a topiary to add visual interest to your outdoor space. If left unpruned, Bay Laurel can grow up to 30 feet tall, but regular trimming allows you to keep it compact and manageable, at a height of under 10 feet.
Roses
Rose petals have numerous applications in cooking and gardening, from crafting flavorful confitures and teas to enhancing desserts. The varieties that produce rosehips are also valuable for brewing vitamin-rich teas on the homestead. Additionally, many rosehip cultivars make excellent hedges, offering a natural barrier with thorned stems.
One such example is Rosa rugosa, which I’ve cultivated in a fruit tree area.
This shrubby rose grows in clumps, forming a dense hedge that’s both protective and visually appealing during the winter months when its leaves have fallen. Notably, this species thrives in zones 2-7, making it an ideal choice for gardeners with varying climate conditions.
Goji Berry
Goji berry plants thrive when planted in fertile soil, producing an abundance of stems that can be pruned for a neat appearance or left to sprawl and form a weeping habit. Pruning the plants heavily can lead to increased fruit yields, but even minimally pruned shrubs will still produce a decent harvest. If you’re looking to use them as a dense hedge, these plants are happy to oblige. One notable characteristic of goji berry plants is their tendency to produce suckers.
This trait allows you to easily train the plants to form a tight hedge by simply controlling the spread of the suckers. However, it’s essential to establish some sort of barrier or regularly remove the runners to prevent them from encroaching on surrounding areas. Goji berries are hardy plants that can thrive in USDA zones 3-9, although specific varieties may have slightly different tolerances. In my experience, they grow exceptionally well in zone 7a, where I reside.
To encourage fruiting, it’s crucial to winter-prune the goji berry plants. This process involves pruning just before new growth emerges in the spring, as this is when the fruit grows on new stems.
Rosemary
A manufactured home’s skirting is cleverly concealed by a fragrant and visually appealing rosemary and hyssop hedge. This charming combination proves particularly suitable for gardeners residing in zones 5 or higher, where rosemary is a reliable choice for a low-maintenance yet attractive border. However, it’s essential to note that most rosemary varieties are only cold-hardy up to zone 7B or above.
For those in zones 5-7a, finding rosemary cultivars specifically adapted to colder climates becomes crucial.
Hyssop
True hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is another captivating option for a low hedge. Its medicinally potent flowers are a major draw, but the plant also offers a unique culinary twist. The stems and leaves can be used in cooking, appealing to those who enjoy strong herbal flavors. When grown as a walkway hedge, its vibrant purple blooms and compact habit make it a striking addition.
To maximize its hardiness, create a microclimate by situating it in a sheltered area and lining the soil with dark rocks or gravel. Mulching during winter can even extend its cold tolerance to USDA zones 3-4.
Final Advice for Homesteading Hedges
When it comes to choosing plants for hedges, there are countless options that thrive in this type of environment. However, the key is to consider factors such as climate, personal needs, available space, and aesthetic preferences. It’s also important to maintain plant diversity by mixing and matching different species rather than relying on a single crop. This approach not only promotes healthy soil but also reduces pest and pathogen risks.
To achieve this, I tend to group similar plants together in sections of around 8 feet before moving on to the next variety. For instance, I might plant 8 feet of sunflowers, followed by 8 feet of corn, and then finish with 8 feet of sesame to create a 24-foot long edible summer hedge.
