topiary / hedge

[david lawrence]

hi

i would like to cover an area of about 2 meters by 5 meters with

a block of conifer to about 1.5 / 2 meters high

it would be kept trimmed and perhaps have a couple of steps in it

just straight lines not trying to make a peacock

an interesting shape and perhaps provide a little nesting cover for the birds

 

any ideas  nothing against leylandi if it would be suitable 

 

and how far apart to plant and of course i want it fully established and shaped

asap if not yesterday

 

ps in central northumberland quite high up

 

thanks  david

[nepia]

For nesting purposes height is good - anything to make life more difficult for cats.

Does the blob have to be conifer; Lonicera nitidans perhaps?  I hate the stuff but you can maul it and it's fine.  If you cut it as it grows it develops into something the small birds like.

[Jack.P]

 Leylandi  probably wouldn’t be best choice for topiary .possibly  yew bushes will be more suitable although there usually bit expensive for mature sizes but the birds like the berries and sometimes will also  nest in them 

also loads of other stuff is ok for topiary like bay but you will be forever trimming the stuff