Plants in 'Seaside hedges and shelterbelts' scheme

Acacia boormanii is one of the more unusual Acacia species available in Ireland. It is also one of the hardiest. It has very fine, wispy leaves, and grows to form a fast-growing suckering shrub or small tree. It tolerataes coastal conditions and can be cut down to maintain size - its wispy branches and leaves will prove most interesting in the wind. It requires well-drained soil and a sunny spot.  Yellow pom-pom flowers in spring. 5 litre container.

A tree which doesn't need an introduction..... long since associated with fairies, and traditionally left on its own in a field, untouched by farmer and plough for fear of retribution from the fairies. The hawthorn is a resilient, pretty tree which has masses of white flowers in May and a crop of berries in late summer. It grows in the most exposed of places, though this will naturally stunt its growth. In a garden setting, it is an upright, rounded small tree which can grow to a height and spread of up to 5 or 6 metres. In a hedgerow, it is kept clipped or layed to make a stockproof boundary. Read more about hawthorn hedges. Dormant season: November to March. Growing season: April to October.

Escallonia macrantha is a mid-sized evergreen shrub with glossy green leaves and dark pink, fragrant, chalice-shaped flowers in summer. It makes an ideal shelterbelt or seaside hedge, and is tolerant of seaside conditions. Plant in well-drained or sandy soil, and clip once a year in late summer if required. For a hedge, plant c 2 plants per metre. A good mix for a non-native seaside hedge / windbreak would comprise of equal proportions of Olearia, Tamarix, Escallonia and Fuchsia spaced 2-3 plants per metre. Many Escallonia plants have perished in the severe cold over the last year. They are not suitablle for inland areas and are suitable only for the mildest parts of the coutry. 2 litre container

An exceptionally resilient shrub, ideal for sunny dry places with well-drained soil or near the sea. It requires little care, no pruning or cutting back, and has attractive, fleshy green leaves and white flowers during the summer. An ideal low maintenance plant. 2-3L container.

The toughest plant for the seaside. A most excellent plant for seaside windbreaks, and often the 'first line of defence' against difficult maritime conditions. It can grow in sandy soil, wet or dry, and withstand salty, seaside conditions. It is a 'nitrogen fixer' so it can also tolerate very poor soil. Its silver leaves make it an attractive, willow-llike plant, and it has thorns which mean that, if trimmed annually,it can make a most effective and vandal-proof hedge. Orange berries in autumn are retained over the winter and are a valuable source of food for some bird species. There are many culinary, cosmetic and medicinal uses for this plant - oil and juices are a feature of many recipes, most especially in northern Europe. Plants should be planted in small groups as only the femal plants produce berries. Deciduous. Height 1 - 4 metres. 2 litre container.

Excellent value! Olearia traversii is a fast growing evergreen shrub with small silver-green leaves, suitable for coastal hedging and windbreaks. Less successful inland as it prefers milder conditions. It is tolerant of poor soil, wind and salt spray. Plant in full sun or light shade. Small daisy-like white flowers in early summer. Trim lightly in late summer to maintain a compact habit if required. For a hedge, plant approximately  30-40 cms apart / 2.5 - 3 plants per metre. A good mix for a seaside hedge / windbreak would comprise of equal proportions of Olearia traversii,  Escallonia and Fuchsia. 1 litre container / 45 - 60 cms plants, making them an ideal and highly economical hedge