1. PLAN: Start by picking a location that is level, has good soil drainage and is large enough. Take measurements, and use them to draw a map, to scale, on a sheet of graph paper. Include obstacles like trees and shrubs. Draw the outlines of your paths, and include walkways, sitting areas, dead ends and turns. Include creative elements such as benches and flowerbeds.
2. OUTLINE: Using the map, plot out your maze with wooden stakes and string. Pound stakes into the ground to mark the ends and corners of hedgerows, on either side of walkways. Run string along the stakes, and adjust to form straight lines.
3. PLANT: Plant a shrub every 45-60 cm along the lines of stakes and string. Remove the stakes and string as you plant. The ideal plant will be a fast-growing evergreen shrub appropriate for your region. It should be a species that grows to a height of 120 - 150 cm and a width of about 60 cm at maturity.
4. COVER WALKWAYS: Cover all walkways with landscape fabric and push landscaping stakes through the fabric into the soil on both sides. This will prevent weeds from growing in the maze.
5. MAKE A WALKING SURFACE: Spread a 5-8 cm layer of gravel on top of the landscape fabric. Rake it to make the surface level. Place decorations in desired locations in the maze.
The first spring after planting, lightly trim the shrubs to encourage side shoots from the stalks and ensure that foliage is retained near ground level. Regular topping and facing back the sides will thicken and increase the branch system. Continue to water during the first two seasons and apply fertiliser in spring and autumn.
To get perfect angles and straight lines, use a spirit level when cutting, as well as a precise and reliable hedge trimmer. We have a wide assortment to offer, from traditional petrol hedge trimmers to battery powered trimmers, as well as pole and combi alternatives.