Lessons in Shrubbery and Hedging from Belmont
There is often nothing like natural plant communities for showcasing human ineptitude and laziness in our engagement with designed gardens. Garden centres and buyers consistently pump a very limited selection of tried and true native species into hedges. Exemplified by the proliferation of Griselinia, Corokia and Pittosporum sp. that make up the leafy walls of our suburbs. There is nothing wrong with these species in themselves, but we are missing out on wonderful array of natives suited to this job. Increasing the diversity of plant privacy screens and windbreaks makes the world around us less homogenous, whilst offering a range of different foods for bird and insect life.
A schooling in some lesser known hedging natives can be had for free at Belmont Trig/Puke Ariki. After an investment of a three and half hour walk up to 450m asl. The tradition of selecting a single species and trimming it into clean lines has been common practice and fashion for centuries. The array of species that intermingle in informal hedges at Belmont, offer a glimpse of different possible styles. This plant community has re-established after time spent in farmland, most of these plants are pioneer species and the forest is still developing through this shrubland. The hedge-like edges of this shrubland are the result of track maintenance and harsh Wellington wind shearing them into shape.
In the series of images below, species have been numbered as follows;
Pseudowintera colorata (horopito) The dominant species in this plant matrix, ranges in foliage colours from white-cream, yellow and to red-maroon. Known for its peppery tasting leaves, it forms neat mounds and as shown in one image it can be trimmed flat without any apparent long term damage. A unique and colourful plant that works well alongside bright green foliage.
Coprosma foetidissima (hūpiro) A very attractive, pale green shrub to about 2-3m. It will take to trimming, but the act of doing so may make you gag on the account of the musky dung scent released. It would work well as a weaponised olfactory boundary-line, where you don’t have to trim it. The perfect way to let your neighbours know your unjustified hatred at the fact humans often live uncomfortably close to each other, whilst being highly territorial primates.
Raukaua anomalus (raukawa) A fantastic shrub with a greyish-purple, fine texture that deserves more space in Wellington gardens. Superficially similar in appearance to Corokia sp. It is hardy and often acts as a pioneer at higher elevations, read more here.
Geniostoma ligustrifolium (hangehange) Seldom planted in the garden on account of its regularity and difficulty to find for sale. The glossy, lime green leaves of this species should be utilised more. At Belmont it creates contrast amongst the more muted tones of other species and plays an important role in tying this composition together.
Melicytus ramiflorus (māhoe) Like hangehange, māhoe is a green tone which helps to break the yellow-red expanse of horopito. It doesn’t make the most attractive hedge, but in high-wind environments it will provide shelter to other species as they grow up. It is a common first coloniser in Wellington through grass and gorse.
Ozothamnus leptophyllus (tauhinu) The cool blue of tauhinu pairs well with hupiro and hangehange, it is particularly well suited to coastal conditions and often grows in conjunction with mahoe as a coloniser.
Astelia fragrans (kakaha) Bush lily tends to find its niche on the edges. It adds strappy texture at the base of a hedge, works well emerging through shrubs and transitions neatly to other grass-like species.
Metrosideros perforata (akatea) A vigorous climber that will scramble through grass and shrubs, it uses the structure of other plants to climb and covers them with white rātā flowers in summer. A great companion to raukawa, utilising its dense twiggy structure as shelter. Akatea takes well to trimming and can be shaped into forms on it is own.
Griselinia littoralis (kāpuka) Needs no introduction, as it is one the most common hedging plants in New Zealand. Popular due to its tropical appearance, it pairs well with most of the aforementioned species.
For more information on native hedges, have a look at this two part article from Terry Hatch of Joy Plants.
