In the 1980s, Hermann Benjes described a hedge shape that already looks back on a long history. Farmers placed the clippings at the edges of their plots, primarily to mark the boundaries. Such structures characterize the landscape to this day.
Benje hedges are naturally beautiful and provide shelter for many animals
Important preliminary considerations
Choose the location for the hedge carefully. On the one hand, this should offer enough space and also be suitable in terms of the environment. If your property is near a nature reserve, the species composition of the Benjeshecke can have negative consequences for this landscape. This danger exists above all with wood residues that sprout again. Therefore, avoid using dominant blackberries, which quickly claim the hedge and leave no room for further development.
Pay attention to the ground conditions
If the subsoil is very nutrient-rich, predominantly competitive and nutrient-consuming plants will settle. They suppress the emergence of rarer species because their rapid growth robs other seeds of light. Last but not least, they limit the faunistic diversity of species.
How to plant a hedge
In order to give the Benjeshecke a stable shape, beginners can drive posts into the ground in two rows with regular distances of two meters from each other. The width depends on the individual space available and can vary between one and two meters. Between this form cut remains of trees are piled up. Leaves and soil are also suitable as filling material. The hedge will change over time and sag, allowing you to regularly replenish new clippings.
How the habitat develops:
- Birds build nests
- Hedgehogs find retreats
- Seeds accumulate through wind and weather
jumpstart
If you have certain types of plants in mind that should settle in the hedge and not grow in the surrounding area, you can help the greening a little. Plant some native hedges and shrubs directly into the wall. Within a short time, the deadwood hedge will be given new life by the blossoms and you will observe how the trees and shrubs slowly grow into the overall picture. Another advantage of targeted planting is that the Benjes hedge gets a little more stability.