Qantas Amazing Australia – Knot Hedge

© 2024 CTC Productions Pty Limited. All rights reserved. The material presented on this website, may not be reproduced or distributed, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of CTC Productions.

At the front of Rainbow Ridge Nursery (see ‘New books’ this week) is an unusual hedge. Rather than just a straight row of plants this hedge appears to be plaited together or knotted as if made with a knotted cord. The design is based on a traditional pattern that dates back to 16th century European garden design and is known as a knot hedge.

To achieve this look hedge plants need to be planted in a pattern (see Diagram 1).

  • In this garden 96 Japanese box (Buxus microphylla var. Japonica – see climate map) were planted about 60cm (2′) apart in four rows to form a large square shape.
  • The hedge is 8m (24′) long and 7m (21′) deep. The plants have been organised into four horizontal rows of 17 plants with additional plants in the centre and at each side to fill in gaps (see Diagram 2).
  • As the plants grew they were trained to grow under and over each other as if woven together. Each alternate row should also be trained in the opposite pattern. So, in row 1 take the first plant under the next. In row 2, take the first plant over the next. This will ensure that a knotted pattern is achieved.
  • The hedge is maintained by monthly trimming to keep the undulating shape. The plants are regularly fertilised to promote strong vigorous growth.
  • Red gravel has been used around the hedge to highlight the design. Each corner of the design is marked with a planting of Baeckia virgata ‘Nana’.
  • This hedge is about 12 years old and took three or four years to establish. A lower growing knot hedge could be created using dwarf plants such as dwarf lillypillies or dwarf box (Buxus sempervirens var. suffruticosa).

Further information

Japanese box is available from nurseries throughout most parts of Australia, starting from $3 for tubes, $7 for 15cm (6″) pots and $15 for 20cm (8″) pots.
This amazing hedge can be seen from the street at Rainbow Ridge Nursery, 8 Taylors Road, Dural, NSW, 2158. If visiting in spring or summer take time to visit the nursery display garden (open 1 October – end December) to enjoy the show of irises and daylilies.

Related Articles