Hedges are an important feature in many gardens, their use varies to the need therefore selection of the right plant material is so important to fulfil the need.

Hedges can be evergreen or deciduous – not really worthwhile if to be used for privacy – flowering or non-flowering; formal or informal.

Hedges are used for privacy, screening, protection, separation and containment. Let us examine each type as best used in the landscape.

Privacy is essential if the property is close to the road or on a pedestrian way, and required a strong thick mass of foliage to provide for protection from peering eyes.

Evergreen hedges which suit this criterion include, Pittosporum tobira – a hardy shrub which requires room to grow and spread, it is important therefore to prune with this in mind.

Nerium oleander is an old faithful, it may get whipped by winter weather but it comes back quickly in spring, again pruning is the key to keeping a dense branch/leaf structure.

Calophyllum inophyllum – Kumani though a tree is very hardy when used as a hedge, the foliage is tough and withstands wind and salt-spray.

Screening can be simply to hide an eyesore, whilst the above named plants can fit this need, species of the Acalypha — Match-me-if-you-can, and Hibiscus species can also be considered if in an area protected from wind and salt spray.

Vitex trifoliate variegata with its green/white foliage is also a good candidate in similar locations.

Protection from wind and salt spray is crucial for success in exposed areas; candidates for such locations include Casuarina equisetiformis, especially as a hedge or if as a tree form given yearly attention to developing a solid crown.

The use of Calopyhllum inophyllum, Pittosporum viridiflorum and Tabebuia pallida – White cedar are also good tree candidates; whilst the Pittosporum tobira, Tamarix gallica – Spruce; Carissa sp – Natal plum and to a degree Nerium oleander though it will take a licking it recovers quickly.

Evergreen hardy plants are the key to success in areas requiring protection.

Fruit and vegetable gardens are oft seen as separated areas within the landscape, with hedges creating a separation from the garden in general.

The choice of material for such an area is great and can include almost any plant that fulfils the need from Hibiscus rosa-sinensis to Acalypha species and most things in between.

Herb gardens and annual beds are often contained within the confines of low growing hedges such as buxus sempervirens – English box or Clerodendrum aculeatum – Prickly myrtle.

These plants can be kept tightly clipped and low growing to frame the plants within the boundary of the hedge outline.

Important points for success when planting hedges; purchase healthy vigorous stock not pot bound material; selection will make or break the exercise of need; correct planting distances within the row and distance from boundary line will produce good growth – pruning will still be required – as branch system will grow naturally and not be forced to grow vertically as is the case when planting in to close a proximity to one another.

Always use a single species of hedge never mix species as each has a unique growth habit.

Water generously in the initial stages of growth, fertilise regularly and inspect for pest and disease problems.

Perhaps the most important point is simply the selection of the right plant for the 'job'; think location, what is the requirement, and thereafter the fundamentals that fulfil the need, i.e. evergreen, slow growing. flowering, formal or informal etc.