Cathy Isom has some excellent reasons why you should grow a living fence. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours.
Living Fence
There are many advantages to having and growing a living fence, rather than the ordinary fencing options such as chain-link, wood slats, wrought iron or concrete. For one, living fences can last much longer, possibly even hundreds of years, and cost far less. To get started, choose the right plant. Something that will grow well, develops quickly and will be good climbers and also provide a useful yield. Then, plant each one close enough together that they close in the gaps with branches and leaves. For some plants it will take a few years. For others, a much shorter time. The most popular plant used for living fences in the U.S. is the Osage Orange. But be warned, it has serious thorns – obviously for security purposes. Though it does makes a good windbreak and its incredibly tough. Other suggestions include: Jujube, Mulberry and Hazel.
Image credit: A wonderful time of year on the West Coast. Springtime flowering hedge with California lilacs (blue). Peggy2012CREATIVELENZ/Flickr