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Planting flowers next to hedge

#1 · 22nd February 2025, 1:28 pm

Hello! I need help! We’ve got a very long, north facing narrow garden with shared border hedges/trees on both sides but no flowers or contrast. I’m wanting to add in lots of pollinator friendly, native flowers next to the hedges without making the garden appear more narrow. Is it possible to plant right next to a hedge? Has anyone got any advice on how to make the sides appear less imposing? Wanting to make it much more colourful without imposing on the lawned area. Is there a way to cut back the hedge on the left to the boundary line and then dig deep, chop the hedge roots and put a membrane down so it stops growing on my side? Or is that a really silly question 😂 any help would be appreciated Garden

#2 · 24th February 2025, 10:08 am

Quote from Lee Garden Ninja on 24th February 2025, 10:08 am
Hi @bhill123
Thanks for getting in touch about how close you can plant a flower bed next to a hedge. It's a sensible question.
The first thing to address is that a lot of people are too tentative with the proportions of flower beds and end up with the skinny border by trying to save space or the lawn. However, the skinny border, ie under 80cm in depth, always ends up looking lacklustre, and plants end up being planted in a row, looking forced and a bit naff.
By planting a deeper 1-1.5 meter flower bed, you get much more impact and can start to layer plants and create wonderful, deep, alluring pollen-rich flower beds. Don't forget that even with pollen-rich plants, most insects and bees prefer a more sheltered and deep flower bed to feast off rather than a row of Salvias!
https://youtu.be/QK_3kLREMyg
I know you fear losing the lawn, but a few deep sections of flower beds rather than a skinny row all the way down would look better. This is where a garden designer can show you the tricks you can use to create a fab, immersive garden with year-round interest. The trick with long skinny gardens is providing some mystery and intrigue by slowing down your gaze. It would make You can book a consultation with me here if you like.
Can you plant under a hedge?
The answer is yes, but you need to pick plants that love dry shade - see my dry shade plant list here.
As for adding a membrane I wouldn't waste your effort and it stops you adding more plastic into the garden which will impact soil health and harm wildlife. It wont prevent the roots from taking out moisture from the ground which is the biggest issue with planting under hedges. Another good tip is to mulch flower beds under hedges in spring and autumn until your shade loving plants establish.
If you want to take your garden to the next level I would ask you to consider a bespoke consultation or even taking one of my online gardening courses to help you with plant lists, layouts and garden design ideas!
All the best
Lee Garden Ninja

Hi @bhill123

Thanks for getting in touch about how close you can plant a flower bed next to a hedge. It's a sensible question.

The first thing to address is that a lot of people are too tentative with the proportions of flower beds and end up with the skinny border by trying to save space or the lawn. However, the skinny border, ie under 80cm in depth, always ends up looking lacklustre, and plants end up being planted in a row, looking forced and a bit naff.

By planting a deeper 1-1.5 meter flower bed, you get much more impact and can start to layer plants and create wonderful, deep, alluring pollen-rich flower beds. Don't forget that even with pollen-rich plants, most insects and bees prefer a more sheltered and deep flower bed to feast off rather than a row of Salvias!

I know you fear losing the lawn, but a few deep sections of flower beds rather than a skinny row all the way down would look better. This is where a garden designer can show you the tricks you can use to create a fab, immersive garden with year-round interest. The trick with long skinny gardens is providing some mystery and intrigue by slowing down your gaze. It would make You can book a consultation with me here if you like.

Can you plant under a hedge?

The answer is yes, but you need to pick plants that love dry shade - see my dry shade plant list here.

As for adding a membrane I wouldn't waste your effort and it stops you adding more plastic into the garden which will impact soil health and harm wildlife. It wont prevent the roots from taking out moisture from the ground which is the biggest issue with planting under hedges. Another good tip is to mulch flower beds under hedges in spring and autumn until your shade loving plants establish.

If you want to take your garden to the next level I would ask you to consider a bespoke consultation or even taking one of my online gardening courses to help you with plant lists, layouts and garden design ideas!

All the best

Lee Garden Ninja