Best hedge for an allotment boundary?

[bario1]

Hi all,

I'd like to plant a hedge between my plot and the main site path that runs past it. Currently it's just a grassy 'hump' with a few brambles and raspberries, but I'd like to create a denser boundary that will provide me with some privacy all year round. Also, it would create more of a sun trap on summer evenings, and might help to 'soak up' some of the excess water that builds up, as my plot is at the bottom of a hill. It would also provide a nice habitat for birds and insects.

So my question is, what would be the best plant(s) to create the hedge? I want something that doesn't get too large to control (I'd probably keep it at about 5'), can tolerate wet conditions, would provide food/habitat for bees and birds, and possibly, could provide food for me (balckthorn maybe?).

Any experienced gardeners out there have any ideas/advice? I've been growing food for a few years now, but have no idea about shrubs, trees etc.

Thanks!

[Bigmallly]

Not sure if you want to spend much cash Bario but this may give you some ideas, it doesn't sound a bad deal:


https://www.ashridgetrees.co.uk/edible-hedging

[bario1]

Thanks for the link, BM - I think that pack might create a bigger hedge than I need though, i want something quite compact, and only about 5 metres long. That website states that "a productive edible hedge will never be a tidy, formal looking thing: it needs to be allowed to grow in order to produce a nice harvest." I don't think the council will approve if I plant a sprawling jungle next to the main allotment path!

[Mr Bones]

Can't recommend anything specific I'm afraid, but maybe consider that thornless trimmings are easier to dispose of (compost) and also Blackthorn spreads like billy-o via tough root suckers that pop up yards away from the parent plant.

[veggiechicken]

What about a row of fruit bushes - like blackcurrants or jostaberries? If you don't prune them they soon form a dense "hedge". Easy to strike from cuttings too and in keeping with an allotment setting.

[roitelet]

Gooseberries can be grown as a hedge. They can be kept trimmed to hedge shape and you will get some fruit. Also good and prickly to keep peeps out and if grown from cuttings can cost nothing

[Bigmallly]

If you are looking for something around 5' tall, I would consider raspberries & you would most likely be able to pick them up for nowt if you asked around the site.

[bario1]

Some good thoughts, thanks everyone! I know i should go down the edible route as it's an allotment and all, but i can't help imagining the difference a nice tall 'traditional' hedge would make in terms of privacy and creating a sun trap... I could even espalier a couple of apple and pear trees along the plot side.