Help with headges

Discussion in 'HortForum' started by jpgreen, Aug 1, 2006.

  1. jpgreen

    jpgreen Member

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    Location:
    Wellinlington, Fl
    I we have moved into a new home with a big yard, currently we are installing a swimming pool and we have the required 5 1/2 foot aluminum fence but no privacy. I am looking for privacy between our neighbors, to our right and left we are luck to have horses to the back, I am looking for a plant/shrub/ (?), that can take full sunlight as well as grows in shade and that will block our view, nice aroma would be a plus. Bottom line and most important we need a privacy hedge. And keeping in mind that because of the pool it needs to be some plant that is not water craze, like the fichus.
    Thank you JP
     
  2. CannedAm

    CannedAm Member

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    Ontario, Canada
    I think Arborvitaes are nice tall screen, though a bit slow to grow to the height you'd like. If you'd like a fast growing tall evergreen screen the cedar Green Giant grows very quickly. With the Arborvitaes, I'd plant on 3 foot centers and keep them nicely trimmed. I haven't planted the Cedar Green Giant, but it looks to me like it could go on a 3 foot center, probably 4 foot would be better because they get pretty big, though they're not extremely wide at the base. Again, trimming them nicely would make them look even better -- especially if they're on a smaller center. Both can handle full sun, shade, and partial shade....and pine always smells nice :)
     
  3. jpgreen

    jpgreen Member

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    Thanks for your impute , I don't remember if I mentioned we live in south florida and do you know if these suggestions would be ok ? They sound perfect.
     
  4. Laurie

    Laurie Active Member Maple Society 10 Years

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    Location:
    Seattle, WA
    It would be highly advisable to check with your local extension office and master gardeners for ideas for your hedge because of the climatic differences between south Florida and those of most of our regular contributors. There have been a couple of times when I have researched plants which should be fine in St. Petersburg, then sent a gift down with my daughter on one of her regular trips, but have been informed that each, including a Eucalyptus, died within the year. The choices are quite different, and frankly exciting, for you, yet you also have problems with pests, which the same plant would not have here in the Pacific Northwest. Consider a hedge of mixed plantings, and in this way you may get aromatic foliage and blooms at different times of the year, and if one of the plants succumbs to a pest, it can easily be filled with another plant, but still look fine. The following sites are really helpful, and since we enjoy sharing our opinions, let us know when you narrow down your choices a bit:
    http://miami-dade.ifas.ufl.edu/programs/urbanhort/publications/A-Word-or-Two-XXX.htm. http://floridayards.org. At first glance, the Podocarpus, Pittosporum, and Jasminum are attractive choices.
     
  5. jpgreen

    jpgreen Member

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    Thank You Laurie: Your suggestions on considering a hedge of mixed plantings, and in this way I can have the best of both worlds may get aromatic foliage with it. I was actualy looking into that yesterday and have some ideas on what I would like , thanks, will get with a local nursery.
     

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