Dead hedge

Building a dead hedge is a very satisfying job to do at this time of year. If you're making design changes such as the work I'm doing here in this woodland garden or maybe looking to establish a wildlife area it's the perfect way to re-use what would otherwise be woody garden waste like dead windfall and prunings from trees and large shrubs. As a highly sustainable gardening practice, re-using what we have on site is significant in saving energy by not transporting the waste away from the garden. It also provides an excellent wildlife habitat as the slowly decaying wood is a perfect host for fungi and invertebrates as well as providing shelter for birds and small mammals. If you're very lucky maybe even a hedgehog! Once you've positioned and driven in your uprights securely, just weave through the largest branches and pack in all the clippings tightly as you build up the layers.You can top up the hedge throughout the year with hedge clippings and other material you've cut back. If you've not got enough, perhaps your neighbours may be willing to contribute their woody waste too?