As can be seen all over the Hanger Hill Garden Estate the Privet Hedges originally planted around 1935 are slowly dying. This is because they have been infected by honey fungus in the soil. Honey Fungus attacks weak and malnourished plants and privet is particularly susceptible. After 90 years of endless clipping and with no nourishment for the roots these hedge plants are dying of malnutrition.
These are the fruiting bodies (mushrooms) of Honey Fungus Armillaria mellea. These mushrooms normally appear with the first Autumnal rains in October each year and disappear after about two weeks. The mushrooms are edible and are often picked and eaten by immigrant Eastern Europeans who come from a rural background and know which mushrooms are edible and which are poisonous.
Removing the dead privet bushes. But what will be planted to replace them ?
