A combination topiary hedge using low Korean Boxwood with a globe of fine-leafed Myrtle and a tall hedge in the rear of Japanese privet. The three different shapes and three textures add interest to this part of the garden.

The low hedge  in front is Korean Boxwood (Buxus Koreana)  which is recommended for hot, dry climates.  The English Boxwood does not like alkaline soils and hot summers.  Behind the Boxwood is a large Myrtle (Myrtus communis) shaped into a globe.   The tall hedge at the rear is the fast-growing Japanese Privet (Ligustrum japonicum).  

Myrtle Fan.  We especially like Myrtle for hedges.  It is a dense shrub with small leaves and needs only an annual trimming after it has been initially shaped.    It's natural shape is globular so keep that in mind when you decide to shape it by pruning.

The Japanese Privet, on the other hand, shoots branches out in all directions and requires frequent attention.  It also has a pungently scented flower that looks somewhat like white lilac--but it sure doesn't smell like lilac!  A row of privet shrubs, however, can make a narrower hedge than the wider, more globular Myrtle.

Green Links.  If your garden is surrounded by a chain link fence, you may also want to add green to it with some vines.  We especially like the look of the Australian-native Lilac vine (Hardenbergia violacea) which blooms in February -- an early sign that winter is ending.  It is a rugged, evergreen vine that will take full sun and requires only moderate water.  

The Delicious Side of Global Warming.  One of Britain's largest grocery store chains, Sainsburys, has just harvested and sold the first-ever crop of apricots grown commercially in the U.K.   Kiwi fruit is next on their list of new, locally-grown, non-native fruits.  Another grower has planted an almond orchard in Southern England with an eye to harvesting the nuts commercially.  This may impact growers elsewhere on our planet who may find that the demand for their exported apricots, kiwis and almonds will diminish.  You can find a list of fruit trees and nut trees for your desert garden on this site. We would like to thank Joan Padro for bringing this news about apricots in London to our attention.