HEDGES

Move your cursor over images to the right to view larger image and plant information.

Hedges are an excellent way to provide formal barriers or screen planting between dwellings, or where privacy may be an issue. There are many excellent hedges suitable for the Sydney region which are commercially available, and we have provided images of some of our favourites here.

Common older style exotic hedges such as Camellia spp, Photinia spp. and Murraya paniculata, although still suitable and commonly used, are now commonly being substituted with cultivars of excellent native hedging plants, such as Acmena cvs, Syzygium cvs, Austromyrtus spp. and Dodonaea viscosa & cultivars. It is worth noting that the latter varieties and species often contribute to Basix requirements or are preferable in Council assessments.

When selecting hedges, it is important to consider aspect such as the light and shade available to plants and the height you wish to screen. Many plants are adaptable to sunlight conditions, while others prefer full-sun or part shade.

COUNCIL & BASIX

Most Councils publish planting lists which may be available in print, or on their web-site. These lists are commonly known as “Council Preferred Planting Lists”. These lists typically give a good range of native trees, shrubs and ground covers, and are definitely worth viewing.

Basix, or the Building Sustainability Index is State Government policy which may also require the prevision of areas of endemic planting for new development. Plants that satisfy this criteria may be found on the Councils plant list published through the Basix web-site; (www.basix.nsw.gov.au) or from the one-drip rated planting for your region or suburb published on the Sydney Water "Plant Selector" web-site; www.sydneywater.com.au/SavingWater/InYourGarden/PlantSelector