Dear Helen: We would like to remove a cedar hedge planted against a 2.4-metre high fence along the west side of our property. The cedar roots have spread into the rest of the garden. The site has morning to mid-afternoon sun. The project would be hard work and expensive. Do you think it would be worthwhile? We would want replacement plants to at least partially cover the rather ugly fence. Or should we just use native plants like ferns and Oregon grape?
R.W.
As one who spends half her life digging cedar roots out of vegetable plots, I must own up to extreme prejudice in the matter. Removal of the hedge could make gardening easier and more enjoyable for you.
If the whole project of removing the hedge and replanting seems too daunting, or expensive, it could be done in stages. Early autumn is an ideal time to start.
Cut down and dig out a few cedars at a time. If help is necessary, you might find a recommendation for an appropriate person at your favourite local garden centre.
Renovation of the soil left bare of cedars will be the most important stage of the project. It will need to be dug over and cleared of remaining roots and debris. Then dig in a quality compost, home-made or purchased, and lay more on top. If possible, protect the surface over the winter with chopped leaves or straw. Plant early in the spring.
As for replacement plants, there are many that would be suitable. Tall Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) is a beauty. The plants can grow as tall as your fence. The holly-like leaves are evergreen. Large sprays of yellow flowers appear in winter, followed by trailing clusters of purple berries. My plant is just now starting to shed some of the berries.
I like Irish yews as companion plants for tall Oregon grape. Irish yew grows tall, upright, and narrow.
An alternative to consider is Mexican orange blossom (Choisya ternata), which makes a fragrant evergreen hedge with glossy leaves and perfumed white flowers in late spring and early summer. There is a golden-leaved form called Sundance. One of the loveliest hedges I’ve seen was green Choisya with a Sundance at each end. The shrubs take well to pruning, after they bloom.
Like the Mahonia and yew, Choisya is fairly drought tolerant once well established.
Cactus and succulent show and sale. The Victoria Cactus and Succulent Society will host a show and sale on Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Church of the Advent, 510 Mt. View Ave. in Colwood. Payment by cash, debit card, Visa or Mastercard. Please bring your own box or other container.
Plant identification and culture. The Horticulture Centre of the Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd. in Saanich, is offering the next session of Plant Identification and Culture on Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. Diane Pierce will introduce 25 new plants with their descriptions, cultural requirements, general maintenance and landscape uses. This is an ongoing, monthly class. Members $35, others $45. For details and online registration go to hcp.ca/events. Register online or by phone: 250-479-6162.
Abkhazi boulevard garden. Abkhazi Garden, 1964 Fairfield Rd. in Victoria, is hosting an Open House and Grand Opening of the Boulevard Garden on Grandparents’ Day, Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to the garden is free. Numerous prizes include tea for two in the teahouse, plants from the garden, plush bears and more. There will also be a plant sale. The new boulevard garden reflects the inside garden, with rocks and flowing water.
Peninsula meeting. The Peninsula Garden Club will hold a meeting via Zoom on Monday, 7 p.m., with a presentation at 7:30 by Elke and Pam, owners of Botanus in Langley. Their topic is successful bulb growing: the ten mostasked questions.” Membership is required to acquire a Zoom link. For details on membership visit peninsulagardenclub.ca or email president.pgc@gmail.com.
hchesnut@bcsupernet.com
