My hedges are completely brown but gardening pros assure me they’re not dead – 2 tips will get them green again
AFTER having a summer filled with sunshine and rain, your plants may not know whether they are coming or going.
And if you’ve found that your bushes have become brown and appear to be dry, fear not.
Gardening professionals have revealed a simple trick to help revive them – and it shouldn’t cost a fortune.
These tips came after gardening enthusiast Anne Dwyer-Thomas took to the gardening Facebook group Gardening On A Budget.
She shared two pictures of her bushes, which clearly appeared to be dark brown and dry.
Along with the pictures, Anne wrote: “I’ve had to have the width of my hedge reduced by a couple of feet as it was encroaching on the path.
“I’m left with this, any ideas how I can improve the look of it.”
She also continued to write in the comments section: “I’m not going to pull it out, it’s a dividing hedge between my property and my neighbour’s. Their side is still full of life.
“I’m really just looking for a way to make it less unsightly on my side. I’ve had some splendid ideas though.”
The post gained a lot of attention with many people rushing to the comments section to share their thoughts.
A good amount of gardening enthusiasts told her not to worry, whilst giving a simple trick to help revive it.
“Personally I’d trim the top a little (still with plenty of green) to encourage a bit of growth that will hopefully spread over time,” wrote one gardening professional.
“Give it plenty of water so it doesn’t dry out but not whilst or right before the suns on it.
“If you continue to see any growth at all then keep it trimmed on top until it eventually re-grows, don’t be afraid to trim some growth along the line to encourage more.
“If it doesn’t work then have it cut down but it’s worth a shot. It’s absolutely not dead & is possible to recover with time.”
Another added: “We grew clematis and passion flowers over a hedge that was very similar.
“It’s taken a couple of years to cover but it’s amazing now.”
A third suggested: “You could grow something through it like fast growing Russian Vine or Mile A Minute.”
Bank holiday gardening jobs
Bank holidays provide a great opportunity to catch up on gardening tasks and enjoy some time outdoors.
Here are some gardening tips to make the most of your bank holiday:
Planning and Preparation
Create a Task List: Identify and rank tasks such as weeding, planting, pruning, and maintaining the lawn.
Monitor the Weather: Schedule your gardening activities based on the weather forecast to ensure ideal conditions for planting and working.
Prepare Your Supplies: Ensure you have all essential tools, seeds, plants, and gardening gloves on hand before you begin.
Lawn Care
Lawn Care
Trim the Grass: Mow your lawn to keep it tidy, but avoid cutting it too short to reduce stress on the grass.
Define Lawn Borders: Use an edging tool to create crisp, clean edges around your lawn for a well-maintained appearance.
Improve Soil Aeration: If your lawn is compacted, aerate it to enhance water and nutrient absorption.
Planting
Planting
Select Seasonal Flora: Opt for plants that thrive in the current season. Spring and fall are excellent times for planting bulbs, perennials, and shrubs.
Pair Plants Wisely: Implement companion planting by grouping plants that support each other’s growth and help repel pests.
Rehome Plants: Relocate any plants that have outgrown their containers or require additional space.
Weeding and Mulching
Manage Weeds: Clear weeds from flower beds, vegetable gardens, and walkways to maintain a neat and healthy garden.
Apply Mulch: Spread a layer of mulch to conserve moisture, inhibit weed growth, and enhance soil quality.
Enjoy Your Garden
Unwind: Arrange a cosy seating area to appreciate your hard work. Think about incorporating outdoor lighting or a fire pit for relaxing evenings.
Encourage Wildlife: Design a garden that invites beneficial creatures such as bees, butterflies, and birds by planting native species and offering water features.