Secret Gardens: The Importance of Privet - Gardenista
Southampton known as a haven for the wealthy and famous on the eastern shore of Long Island is the oldest English settlement in New York... Photographs by Jeanne Rostaing for Gardenista except where noted. ...Today the town they founded is still known for a tradition they brought from the UK the use of privet hedges to define property lines In the summer, when the hedges are densely leafed out, they conceal the sprawling mansions for which the Hamptons are known. In spots where the leaves have fallen or there are gaps in the branches (caused this year by many wind storms including Hurricane Sandy), the wily tourist can get a nice clear view of the normally hidden estates. To the passerby hedges somehow say Private Stay Out in a friendlier way than fences However because many of the hedges... ...were planted years ago right on the property lines between houses as they ve grown larger they ve caused problems among neighbors In fact, from 60 to 70 percent of properties in town have privet hedges, according to Stephen Funsch, Southampton Village Administrator. A 1- to 2-foot tall Privet Hedge is $4.99 from Interstate Nurseries. Photograph via Plants Galore. Mary Cummings, archivist at the Southampton Historical Museum, says the settlers were most probably importing privet from England by 1700. Mr. Bellows says part of the problem is that privet is so well-suited to the Hamptons climate even though the plant is not native. To maintain privet so that it is leafy from top to bottom, it must be pruned wider at the bottom than at the top, otherwise the plants can become thin and spindly. Photograph by Opmi via Flickr. If you re considering planting a hedge Bellows advises avoiding privet unless you have at least a half day of full... ...sun Finally get more ideas on how to successfully plant grow and care for privet with our Privet A Field Guide