Creative Concepts by Native Garden Nursery

The plants listed on this page have been chosen for their hardiness, being relatively quick growing and easy to maintain.

Borders and low hedges tend to consist of one species, as do some shelter belts.

Mixed species can be used usually when planting two or more rows deep in a zig-zag fashion to provide an excellent filtered windbreak and a more natural look. With these mixed species borders/shelterbelts, there are many more plants that could be used other than what is listed.

Firewood crops could be planted in a mixed shelterbelt, or a fast-growing hardier species used on the windward side with a slower-growing but more desirable plant used on the sheltered side, with the first species being cut down (or used for firewood) once the others have established.

A mixed shelterbelt is also another excellent way to provide habitat for wildlife.

Determining what you want from your hedge, border or shelterbelt is the first step in knowing which plants to use. The amount of maintenance time you allow is another factor. Once planted, some time spent each year on trimming and fertilising will give excellent results.