Hedgebank 2019 / 2020

Primrose & Dog Violets April 2019

My front garden is separated from the lane by a hedgebank topped with a short picket fence. This hedgebank used to resemble scalped mud as it had been strimmed to death and in my first few years here, I also strimmed it but let it grow longer as I wanted the plants and grasses to grow. For the last two years, it only had a couple of strims and this year it hasn't been strimmed at all, resulting in a profusion of wildflowers, ferns and grasses. Much of this has self-seeded but I've helped it along by planting a few plugs of Primroses, Red Campion and Greater Stitchwort, which are all native to Devon hedgebanks. Two years ago, Dog Violets and Early Purple Orchids appeared. 

Early Purple Orchids and Dog Violets 2019

The house side of the hedgebank faces north-east and is more sheltered from the prevailing winds but it is shadier. This year, I've seen Bird's-foot Trefoil emerge.

Bird's-foot Trefoil July 2020

This results in an unplanned but charming partnership with Lavender that grows in a border in front of the hedgebank. 

Lavender with Bird's-foot Trefoil July 2020

Other self-seeders to emerge this year are Hedge Bedstraw and Hedge Cranesbill (the pale one). 

Hedge Bedstraw July 2020

Hedge Cranesbill July 2020

On the south-west facing lane side, there is currently a profusion of Hawkweed Oxtongue and Catsear. 

Hawkweed Oxtongue & Catsear July 2020

I've had Red Campion on both sides (forgot to photograph it in flower) and Knapweed is also emerging on both sides of the hedgebank.

July 2020 - Knapweed 

On both sides, I've had masses of Ribwort Plantain and Common Sorrel, neither of which I find attractive but the bees do so I'm leaving them in the hope their numbers will reduce as other wildflowers colonise the hedgebank.

Successes:

• The strimmer's absence in spring has allowed more plants to flower;
• New varieties are self-seeding;
• Bees and other pollinators are loving it.

Lessons Learned:

• Pretend not to hear suggestions that it should be "tidied up";
• Wear baggy clothes when near the hedgebank (14 horsefly bites through leggings - argh!).

To Do List:

• Pot on seedlings of Dog Violets, Greater Stitchwort, Red Campion & Primrose - plant them in the hedgebank in the autumn;
• Strim the hedgebank in the autumn after everything has flowered & set seed.