Yes that hedge thing was a factor too. So far, though Hubby has avoided my suggestions that we plant enough to do that.
Take green cuttings in the spring, trim the cuttings to 2-3 leaves, dip in water and then in rooting hormone (Bonide , Rootone), use toothpick to create a hole, insert cutting
into soil or compressed peat moss tablets, and then compress the soil, and water well.
You should see new plant growth and roots within 3 - 4 weeks.