The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

The Canadien Champion, Fniday, Apnil 3, 1998-21 H & G Hedges Can Substitute For Fencing If you could erect a hedge as quickly as a fence, then there would probably be littie eall for the latter. A wel-groomed hedge can be a real fea- ture in the garden and much easier to main- tain-apart f rom the occasional clipping, you can leave them to their own devices. Unfortunately, they can take a long time to establish, and there seems to be a king of " sod's law" for gardeners that says the nicer the variety, the harder it is to grow. However, if you are ted Up with rebuilding panels after a strong wind or digging out rot- ten fence posts, the idea of a hedge may be appealing, either as a boundary or- a garden feature. And now is the- time to start. Apart from latitude, you also need to consider site, soil, cost and how much clipping and care is required for your chosen hedge variety. If the hedge is also going to be ( boundary, you may be particular- iy keen to have something taîl and sturdy, or even one which is prickly enough to deter intruders or keep animaIs on or off your land. Prepare the site carefully-it's for life-and allow at Ieast two feet of growing space within your boundary. Double-dig the site and add plenty of well-rotted organic compost to ensure a strong and long-lived hedge. Conifers are by far the Most I popular type because they are not only handsome but also fast-grow- ing, particularly in the case of the sturdy hybrid Leyland Cypress. This can put on two feet a year and create a thick hedge within a tew years. Unfortunately, while they are soaring skyw«ards, they do not put down strong roots, so they will 28 i need staking for the f irst two years. The Yew is more traditional and takes longer to establish. It s a handsome variety when grown as a tali hedge. You could also consider the following varieties: Box-Slow growing and makes an excel- lent low hedge. Great for trimming geometric gardens and borders, but it s expensive. Holly-Attractive and good at keeping intruding animais at bay. It s also slow- growing and expensive. Hawthorn-.Produces scented flowers and bernies and is inexpensive and easy to grow. Looks bare and boring during the win- ter after shedding its leaves. Beech-Not the most inexpen- sive choice, but it i beautiful and can be trimmed to keep its leaves through the winter months. Honeysuckle-Certain varieties make cheap, medium-height hedges and give off a lovely scent. Privet-Very inexpensive and fast- growing. However, it takes regular clipping to be kept neat and tidy. sPHINI PfIA j1.WlliasPkwy.1 Lflr1(905) 453-0453 1 SAe 9446 McLaughlin Rd., Unit #5 PropaftM tank idili 51b - 1 OOIb Cylinders RONTE ST. N. MILTON 878-2391 HEILtŽ HOME CONIFORT ADVANTAGE frRIE E I-E.L..R Exewtlc lLabou.air ancff Parts Seriîcte M-EIL" FW4%TUIES. se 'AdId Years o)f Peace-of-Mir-d Protectiorn w Cgovers First 5 Vears Parts and Labour &40 C3ffer CGood on Complete System or Puirchase individuai Unit Hiei NTGM H-igh Effcency Furnace ILIMITED TIME OFFER & C-A5500 Air Conditioner 'Regular Maintenance Checks Excluded. See Dealer for Comiplete Dotails m jffýffâlllw-offer Availabie Onily on Qualifying Units -lAiG&COOLtiNG PRODUc from PartIcipating Dealers. CD 1998 International Comfort Products Bailley Heating & Cool"ngLtd. 1039SteleAve#6-7 Milton, Ont Hours Mon-Fni. 9-6 Saturday 9-5 ILI ILL- ïýNAPOLEOIC 1 - »-i