Yes, you are quite right, Emma. Good point.
The shrubs I have gone for are ones that are around locally (such as the spindle, which is why I think it will grow quite happily in the hedge here as I have seen it in the wild very nearby) so there should be enough bushes around to cross pollinate where there is a need. I also have another hedge planted on the other side of the front garden too, but this is mainly Blackthorn.
Jez, you are right about the Alder Buckthorn, it is going to be planted specifically for Brimstones, but the Blackthorn isn't for Sloe Gin, it is for the Brown Hairstreak butterflies that come into my garden.
How has your hedge done since March when you put it in? Has it established well?
Thanks for the suggestions and link, tufftie. They're great.
I imagine lesser celendine and dog violet will turn up whether I want them or not, they are all over the garden. I love buddleia too, but I already have six in the garden and I really want to put in plants that will be food plants for specific caterpillars that I am trying to encourage or as a habitat/food source for the local wild birds.
Hi Brocker,
I am being a bit naughty and pinching a bit of the local authority's land which runs adjacent to my front garden to put this hedge on, but I don't think anyone is going to notice or complain. There is no reason why you can't put a hedge in a garden, just scale it down to suit and keep it trimmed back when necessary.