Hello, You will be ok planting a new hedge to screen the existing fence and Hawthorn or beech would be ideal for this situation, it would be a good time now to get the area ready in advance of planting, the soil will need improving prior to planting, work in some well rotted compost/manure, you can plant the hedge by useing whips these come in various sizes and can be obtained from your local hoticultural supplier failing this then you can purchase them online, when you plant the whips its best top crowfoot them [staggering them], if planting out whips myself i prune them down just a few inches after planting by doing so you are encouraging the hedge to thicken up at the base whch is important if you are to achieve a nice compact hedge, the planting is best done November/March at a time when the ground is not frozen.

why not go for a more mixed hedge I have blackthorn [flowers early]hawthorn and hornbeam. then ferns and hostas would also be ok but all will need plenty of water until established. there are lots of suitable shade plants too such as Mitella, Pachyphragma, Pachysandra that will also be happy.

Thanks for the advice, I was concerned that I won't be cutting the side of the fence, and it would not grow properly without enough light and air, I have already prepared the ground, digging in lots of organic farmyard manure, and this looks fine, also I shall be setting up a soaker hose system to keep everything well watered!

pushtoby

You should also treat the fence and any repairs made whilst you have space to do so. The new hedge will thicken out quite quickly. I think you are also best to wait a few months to get hedging cheap.