Traditionally countryfolk gathered 'food for free' from woods and hedgerows and there are some fascinating receipes to be found for such fares as Hawthorn Suet Roll made using green hawthorn buds! More usual are sloes from blackthorn, nuts from hazel, rose hips from roses. All the following varieties produce edible fruits:- Amelanchier, Berberis, Blackthorn, Cornelian Cherry, Elder, Elaeagnus ebbingei, Hazel, Japanese Quince, Myrobalan Plum, Quickthorn, Rugosa Roses and Sea Buckthorn. Blackberries can be grown to ramble in existing hedges and raspberries can be planted in a new hedge where they will carry fruit if in a sunny position. Almost all fruit trees can be planted in or alongside a hedge, as well as wild cherries and crab apples.
An edible hedge can be an informal mix of plants, in which case an interesting and informal hedge will be formed, or a single species such as Berberis darwinii can be planted and clipped to a formal shape. With all species you will attract wildlife. Single species are listed in the catalogue, or we can offer our own special mixed edible hedge.
Mixed Edible Hedging The basic hedge is 20 plants for a 30ft hedge (9m) and will consist of 5 Rugosa Rose and 5 Blackthorn with the balance made up from 2 Amelanchier, 2 Cornelian Cherry, 2 Hazel, 2 Myrobalan Plum and 2 Quickthorn, all 2-3ft (60-90cm) transplants exept Myrobalan Plum which will be 2-3ft (60-90cm) seedlings. This will be an attractive hedge with flower, fruit and some good autumn colouring and will be suitable for hedges 4-6ft (120-180cm) high. | 
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Price per plant for |
| 1+ | 5+ | 50+ | 250+ |
| 2-3ft | | - | £1.05 | £0.95 | £0.85 | |
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