Fagus sylvatica hedge (right), and the north-facing hedge flower borders
When we first viewed our home, one of the things that quickly won me over was the beech hedge separating our garden from our neighbour's. Unlike a fence that blocks out light, a hedge allows light to filter through, even in the middle of winter. So it means that my hedge borders, which are north-facing, get a lot more light all year round, giving me a wider variety of plants I can grow in that space. Which is great, but in late autumn, it's all about the beech leaves for me.
And even on cold grey days, the colours still offer a warm glow like an open fire, and welcome colour.
And a beech hedge has the bonus of retaining it's gorgeous orange-brown autumn leaves right through until the next spring, only dropping them when the new green foliage comes through.
As is so often the case, common means beautiful.
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This is the last in my Autumn series. Other posts in the series:
Autumn: Acer palmatum 'Sango-kaku'
Autumn: Prunus mume 'Beni-chidori'
Autumn: in the Peak District
Autumn: Salvia 'Amistad'
Autumn: Cornus 'Norman Hadden'
