Introduction

A view of Frederiksberg Palace, Denmark, a baroque palace in the background with hedges lining the walkways.
Frederiksberg Palace, Denmark, shown in these two images, is a baroque palace, with many hedges, large and small.

A view of Frederiksberg Palace, Denmark, a baroque palace in the background with a low hedge maze.

It is hard to imagine a traditional historical garden that does not have a hedge. From early Roman gardens to Italian and French parterres and walled bosques to the garden rooms of Sissinghurst and Hidcote, hedges add structure, architectural lines, and provide a protective backdrop for flowers and humans.  Hedges were originally planted to protect property, control animals, and often provided a source of coppiced wood for heating. From functional to classic garden elements, hedges can outlive humans. Although formal hedges in the U.S. may be decreasing due to their high maintenance, recent research shows hedges provide critical ecosystem services, especially in urban areas (Blanusa, 2019). This article provides a brief history of hedge displays in the U.S., especially at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and a glimpse at the cultural significance of these iconic landscape plants.

Villa Gamberaia in Florence, Italy showing a path lined with hedges and with water on either side, leading to a circular courtyard.
Villa Gamberaia in Florence, Italy is famous for its ‘hanging garden’ of clipped hedges that appear to be hanging in space.

 

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Introduction Copyright © 2021 by Mary Hockenberry Meyer. All Rights Reserved.

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