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Types of hedging plants for Ireland

by Adrian Byrne

Hedges are popular among amateur and expert gardeners alike. They protect from the wind and prying eyes, they are green and natural, many types of hedges are cheaper than a wooden or steel privacy screen, and they live a long time with a little care.

But the choice of hedge plants is huge. There are evergreen, deciduous, or wintergreen, conifers and deciduous shrubs, flowering shrubs, and even fruit trees. Some hedges are poisonous, some grow particularly fast. Others provide valuable food for insects and birds.

How to make the right choice

Do you primarily want to be protected from the neighbor’s gaze between spring and fall, or do you also want to be protected in winter? Depending on this, only evergreen, semi-evergreen or deciduous plants can be considered.

Do you want completely opaque protection or is it enough for you if the view is not completely free? Some plants grow extra dense, others let more light through. A fast-growing hedge will provide privacy quickly – but the plant will continue to grow once it reaches the desired height. You’ll usually need to trim these hedges twice a year.

What are the location and soil like where the hedge will be planted? Some plants prefer the sun, others thrive better in the shade. How much time do you want to spend on maintenance? Some plants need pruning more often and more fertilizing and watering than others.

A few sentences in advance about the cost of different types of hedges:

  • Many stores offer specifically hedges. In addition, the plants will always be cheaper if you buy a larger quantity.
  • Containerized plants are much more expensive than balled or rooted plants. However, you will not have any problems with the growth of the plant.
  • Individual varieties can also vary significantly in price.

Do you have children or pets? Then you might want to choose a non-toxic hedge plant. If you want to do something good for insects and birds, then you should make sure that the native fauna finds food with the plant.

There are many plants that are suitable for a hedge, just pick the one that suits you best and enjoy.

How to treat powdery mildew on laurel?

by Adrian Byrne

White coating on the top of leaves or discoloration and spots are signs of infestation with powdery mildew. How can the fungus be treated naturally?

Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease of laurel that has more than 100 different species. Some species, such as apple powdery mildew, only affect certain plants.

How to treat it?

Powdery mildew is a so-called fair-weather fungus, which means that it forms when it is warm and dry. It can be recognized as a wipeable, white, later dirty-brownish coating on the upper leaf surfaces and the flowers. The leaves turn brown and dry out, and the flowers wither. In severe infestations, entire parts of the plant may die. Powdery mildew occurs mainly on laurels, roses, asters, and on cucumbers, carrots, and gooseberries.

Prevention is always better than cure. To do this, you should also know the causes of the infestation. However, subsequent measures are not always a guarantee that the fungal disease will not break out, because it also depends on the weather. But there is a possibility to reduce the points of attack. Attention should therefore be paid to:

  • Correct choice of location;

  • Planting of resistant varieties;

  • Sufficient planting distance;

  • Regular trimming;

  • Avoid overfertilization with nitrogen, this softens plant tissue, and the fungus can penetrate easily;

  • Use fertilizer with a caloric tone;

  • Water plants from below;

  • Watering in the morning or in the afternoon;

  • Leaves must be dry by night;

  • Keep soil free of weeds;

  • Use of plant dips to strengthen the defenses.

Infested plant parts must be removed and disposed of. Subsequently, it is recommended to treat with milk. To do this, mix fresh milk with water in a ratio of 1:8 and spray the plant with it every few days. The microorganisms contained in the milk fight the fungus effectively and naturally. They also strengthen the plant.

By using all the preventive actions we described and by the timely discovery of the fungus, you will ensure that your hedge will serve you for a long time.

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