August Cut
A Day of Hedge Cutting in Bridgetown
Yesterday was a hot summer day, and I was busy over in Bridgetown, tackling a garden task that's a true rite of summer: hedge cutting. There's something deeply satisfying about transforming an overgrown, unruly hedge into a neat, clean line. But with a steady east wind gusting through, the job became a bit more of a challenge.
The amount of work you put into a hedge depends on its current state and the final look you're going for. My client in Bridgetown was after a clean-up and a tidy-up, so I got straight to it. While you can opt for a quick once-over, taking a moment to plan your approach makes a world of difference.
I started with a good look at the hedge's overall shape. The goal was to maintain its health while giving it a crisp, formal finish. I used a mix of long-reach trimmers for the top and sides, making sure to work from the bottom up to get a smooth, even surface. It’s always a good idea to slightly taper the hedge at the top—this allows sunlight to reach the lower branches and keeps the whole plant healthy.
One of the biggest challenges with this particular hedge was the sheer volume of cuttings! With that steady east wind, the trimmings were blowing everywhere as soon as they fell, making it a constant struggle to keep the area clear and tidy. I had to take extra care to collect all the trimmings and clear the area thoroughly to leave the garden looking immaculate.
By the end of the day, the change was remarkable. The hedge, which had been looking a little tired, was now sharp and well-defined, adding a fantastic sense of order to the garden. It was a great reminder that even simple, regular maintenance can have a huge impact on the beauty of a space, even when the wind isn't on your side.
A Day of Hedge Cutting in Bridgetown
Meadow grass cut for the next stage of rewilding...
Rewilding is an increasingly popular land-management technique, alongside other conservation methods.
An ecological restoration aimed at increasing biodiversity and restoring natural processes in a Totnes garden.... https://www.totnesgardening.co.uk/about
August Jobs in a Totnes garden
Rewilding
Rewilding an ecological restoration aimed at increasing biodiversity and restoring natural processes in a Totnes garden.
It differs from ecological restoration in that, while human intervention may be involved, rewilding aspires to reduce human influence on ecosystems.
