Wiltshire – Hedges! And How to Get Them Right

Description

Hill House started life in the 1870’s as the woodsmen’s cottages serving the once extensive Braydon Forest, which is said to include some of the 7 oldest stands of oaks in England. Most of the ongoing project of developing the gardens in the 12-acre property started around 20 years ago. Hedging of various types has provided structure as well as interest – from pleached hornbeams and holm oak hedges opening and closing down the driveway to hint at the spectacular horizon, to beech hedging creating terraced rooms with precisely aligned and trimmed box pyramids and umbrella-pruned laurels, to mixed native hedging sheltering formal veg gardens, as well as topiaries yew and box.

During this Practical Skills event Self-taught, James McArthur, the garden owner, will share his 20+ years experience and techniques developed in getting hedges straight, levels properly level across gardens, and parallel lines truly parallel – not just by eye but by using building laser levels and cutting frames developed on-site for efficiency, quite apart from precision. Some ‘obsession’ with getting things right is recommended, but not essential!

The Workshop will begin with a lesson in lasers and accuracy, followed by a tour of the garden to take a look at the hedges there. Practice will be possible before a break for lunch (please bring your own), and for those that want to stay on later, there will be further opportunities to put their skills to good use on James’ hedges and topiary.

Timings:
Starts: 9:00am
Ends: 1pm

Please Bring:
Secateurs, loppers, hedge trimmers if you have them, gardening gloves, and appropriate all weather clothing.

Refreshments:
Tea, coffee, water and biscuits will be provided. Please bring a packed lunch.

Cost:
Members £35 | Non-members £55

Please read our Terms & Conditions for important information relating to our Standard Cancellation Policy.