I tried to build an edible hedge when we lived in Williamsburg, Virginia, without success. I’m now reading about traditional English hedges, and would love to build one. Traditional English hedges around cottage gardens had a dual purpose–to keep sheep out, and chickens in. The hedge was inter-planted with fruit and roses, so the precious space contributed both food and beauty.
A traditional English hedge had Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Crab apple, Guelder rose, Dog rose, Wild privet, Honeysuckle, Field maple, Holly, hazelnuts, blackberries, forsythia, quince, and damsons.
A well-laid hedge can be as thick and impenetrable as a wall, quite impossible to see through or get through. One day I will have one!!
