Goldenrod at the Very Back of Jacki Kellum Garden

God planted the above stand of goldenrod next to the very back of my garden. This stand is not actually in my yard. It is at the back of an untended area at the back of my neighbor’s yard. Because I don’t have much control over what happens to the plants above, I got permission and transplanted a few of the plants to my actual garden area. I want to create a natural hedgerow that will not be disturbed.

Goldenrod and Olfield Aster Immediately Behind Morning Glory Vines in Jacki Kellum Garden

What Is a Hedgerow?

“Hedgerows, also known as shelter belts or wind breaks, are living fences of trees, shrubs, groundcovers, vines, and other plants.” Mississippi Extension

Why Have a Hedgerow in Your Garden?

My hegerow is a place where all kinds of wildlife will have a safe and undisturbed place to live.

I plan to add numerous other native plants to this area. My hedgerow will be a haven for native plants.

Butterfly, Bird, and Bee Gardens – Plans and Plants – Consider Native Plants

4 – Season Garden: A Year of Garden Native Perennial Plants – Garden Calendar

L. H. Bailey, Manual of Gardening – Published in 1910

A hedgerow is a natural fence – Bailey

“Hedgerows are natural habitats for birds and other wildlife.” – Bailey

“A Hedgerow is a free-and-easy planting of things wild and tame.” Bailey

Flowers against a Natural Hedgerow in Jacki Kellum’s Garden – 2021

“One is attracted by the freedom of arrangement, the irregularity of sky-line, the bold bays and promontories, and the infinite play of light and shade. …

“It is not enough that trees and bushes be planted in masses. They must be kept in masses by letting them grow freely in a natural way. The pruning-knife is the most inveterate enemy of shrubbery … Bailey

I have already planted a witch hazel tree in my hedgerow, and it is about 3′ tall now.

Witch Hazel – Image Credit Amazon

Witch Hazel

Hamamelis virginiana L.

Family: Hamamelidaceae

“Witch hazel is a large, deciduous shrub or a small tree that may reach 15 feet tall. It is found in a variety of rich woodlands and along stream banks. The large, scalloped leaves are attractive in summer and produce a yellow autumn color. The shrub has strap-like, yellow flower petals that are fragrant and bloom from fall into winter. Witch hazel has a spreading, sculptural form and is effective in the landscape as an understory specimen plant.” Mississippi State University Extension

I also planted winterberry trees, but I lost them. I’ll replant them.