Using Hedges to beautify your home

Apart from the issue of privacy, there is a secret entailed in the natural hedge. Hedges are cheaper and can be used within the compound to create the impression of different spaces for the outdoor area like at the edge of the walk ways. They also bring that natural beauty a block wall will never have. A good hedge adds value and character to one’s property.
Enoch Mugumya’s home is located in Mukono, 200 metres off Jinja Road. It is secured by a wall fence that is surrounded by nice trimmed short yellow hedges that attract people’s attention. However, inside the fence is where you see a well partitioned compound. He divided it with beautiful short trimmed hedges that are surrounded by different flower species. One then wonders how people come up with exceptional complex views in their homes.

Types of hedges
Rose Mulindwa, a gardener ,says people need to be well-versed with their compound types before considering the type and design of hedges to have. This is because there are types that do not protect your home and have to be used in the middle of the compound as designs.
“It is better to have knowledge on how to maintain the plants so as to have the best hedges,” says Mulindwa.
However, Piaus Kamya, a florist ,says hedges can be used for different purposes such as privacy (overlooking neighbouring houses or passers-by), designing the compound, among others. Kamya says there are different types of hedges one can use depending on what you want. Below are the different hedge types and how to maintain them.

Bougainvillea
It is thorny with hot pink, red, white or yellow flowers and spring leaves that grow next to the flowers. Meaning one has to keep trimming off the branches with a hedge clipper or trimmer to maintain a desired shape and the level as well as the beauty. The seedlings cost between Shs2,000 and Shs3,000.

Jurata
These have strong branches that are impenetrable if planted well. They are in three types, including green, yellow and maroon. These are planted one metre from each other because they can easily intertwine.
You can have them in any desired size or design depending on the purpose. The seedlings cost between Shs350 and Shs400.

Cedar
Kamya says cedar is best grown on well- drained soil and is not affected by the sun provided it is well watered. However, one has to use fertilisers to ensure good looking hedges.
While planting, leave at least an inch in between the trees to avoid having gaps in the hedge. Cedar works well in fencing though good at compound design provided you maintain the size and height.
To maintain a beautiful cedar hedge, one needs to trim the tops and slightly trim the sides every after four months. And avoid trimming during the hot season. The cost of the seedlings range from Shs700 and Shs1,000.

Keyapo
Keyapo is thorny and does not grow beyond seven feet high. The plant itself does not grow wild like it is with other hedges. It is planted at a spacing of one inch from each tree. This is because it produces more thorns as compared to the leaves.
This type does not require trimming, according to Kamya, as one only needs to pick out the dry leaves and cut off the old branches so as to maintain the green colour. The seedlings cost Shs500. The other types of hedges are hibiscus, sisal and ficus.
However, the florist notes that all hedges require frequent maintenance in the form of trimming to maintain their clean and beautiful appearance along with the desired size.