Heavenly hedges

Alison Patel writes: Hedges provide privacy and are a great way to block out unwanted sound, whether it is noisy neighbours or traffic.

The Times has put together a definitive list of hedges from which gardeners can take their pick.

Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) hedges "respond wonderfully to shaping and are easy to maintain".

Owners are warned, however, that they will need to be trimmed in the summer to keep them looking good as their leaves shed early.

Those who want a less formal hedge are advised to go for the Rosa rugosa. The Times warns gardeners that it has 'prickly stems' though and advises wearing gloves to prune it.

A yew is listed as the ultimate in foliage and the Times has given it the prestigious title of 'king of hedges' due to the fact that it grows quickly when it is young and slows with maturity.

The paper describes its 'classic good looks' which, it says, provide the perfect backdrop to any other plants.

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