Shade and wind solutions please

[Guest]

My scenario is there is a 3m gap at the bottom of the veg patch that I was going to fence off with a couple of posts, some chicken wire and grow a hop up. However, having looked round this afternoon it is in a wind tunnel. Behind is about 8m of nothing-ness mainly the neighbours dumping ground (behind that is an open field). To one side is leylandii to the other is a couple of mature trees (sycamore and something else). Then in front is veg patch (leylandii on one side, neighbours fence of other). A fair few plants have suffered badly with wind/ wind burn (not so much being blown over which would be understandable of late).

I am thinking the hop wouldn't much like being there and wouldn't do much for diffusing the wind. I was trying to avoid a hedge but I could plant things about 3m behind the gap but they would need to be drought, shade tolerant.

Any ideas anyone?

Thanks as always

[Penellype]

Windbreaks work best when they are not solid - solid barriers cause the wind to go up and over then swirl around the leeward side. You might find if you put up your posts and a double layer of chicken wire with the holes staggered (so that they are smaller), that could be enough to act as a windbreak. You could then grow your hop in front of it, and that would increase the windbreak effect. I've not grown hops so I don't know how it would react to this treatment though.

[roitelet]

I once had a garden open to the Bristol Chanel with a wall on one side and a tall hedge on the other. Wind tunnel wasn't in it!!!!! I eventually managed to grow a hedge along the bottom by erecting wing break netting and planting in front of it. What you need to remember is that for every 1ft of height of wind break you will get 8 ft of horizontal protection. I finished up with more damage near the house than at the bottom of the garden initally.

[mothhawk]

I know they've become kinda boring, but Japanese laurels (aucuba japonica) are shade and drought tolerant, quick growers, and tolerant of salt winds, if you are anywhere near the coast there in Norfolk. They grow quite quickly, get nice and bushy, and can be as short or tall as you allow them to get.

How to grow: Japanese laurel - Telegraph

[Guest]

I know they've become kinda boring, but Japanese laurels (aucuba japonica) are shade and drought tolerant, quick growers, and tolerant of salt winds, if you are anywhere near the coast there in Norfolk. They grow quite quickly, get nice and bushy, and can be as short or tall as you allow them to get.

How to grow: Japanese laurel - Telegraph

Now you have done it. I just bought 5 various plants I am not sure I need (and 2 off them you have mentioned on another thread)

[roitelet]

Sorry to say that my experience of aucuba has been that it can be a bit delicate and is easily hit by frost.

[Guest]

Sorry to say that my experience of aucuba has been that it can be a bit delicate and is easily hit by frost.

Thanks. I shall grow it on first and take cuttings to cover any losses. I just like the variegated and it is nicer than looking at the neighbours stuff. We shall see

[mothhawk]

Now you have done it. I just bought 5 various plants I am not sure I need (and 2 off them you have mentioned on another thread)

Oops! Oh well, if they all die on you, blame me. (I've got a broad back )

[janzbro]

Put willow cuttings in, it will be 6 feet high next year and its great at diffusing the wind.

[roitelet]

Put willow cuttings in, it will be 6 feet high next year and its great at diffusing the wind.

Just keep it cut or it will take over!