3/1/07 Hello Everyone, I am a new gardener with a very big (lifelong) job ahead of me. The builder of our home took down all of the trees! (I am not the first owner.) I also have a difficult neighbor. She has a fenced in swimming pool. The 100 foot fence is on our lot line. I do not want to watch and listen to the neighbors' swimming and pool parties. I would like an evergreen hedge with a maximum height of 15 feet. It needs to grow quickly for my sanity!!! I need to cover 100 feet, and I don't have $10,000+ to spend... What can I do??? This is an eastern exposure. Sincerely, Chpielme Central Massachusetts Zone 5
Many would choose 'Smaragd' (Emerald in English) arborvitae for this kind of project. Highly prevalent in retail outlets, including "big box" chain store plant departments. However, if you do not require something so narrow as this one you can save by planting a broader growing type that can be spaced more widely.
Thank you very much, Ron. I will look into it. Any further thoughts on this are very welcome! Chpielme
Hi Chpielme, I agree with Ron that the Arborvitae is a good choice. This site has loads of info on the different varieties. http://www.aboutarborvitae.com/ With a long row such as you have I would suggest adding other evergreens to the mix. That way if there is ever a disease or pest outbreak all won't be lost. Planting in a WWW pattern, if you have the space, will add depth and interest to the plantings. I'm thinking this will be a full sun site. Evergreen holly might be another option for your screen. They don't grow fast but will stay full and won't need pruning. With most hollies you will need one male and the rest females so you can have berries. Foster holly is an exception and doesn't need a mate and will grow to about 20' to 30'. The others are named and will be easy to select the males and females. Here's some ideas. http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=Q190 These grow to about 10'. lex 'Mesog' CHINA GIRL http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=D490 Ilex 'Mesdob' CHINA BOY http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=D480 These grow to about 8' to 10'. Ilex x meserveae BLUE PRINCE http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=D460 lex x meserveae BLUE PRINCESS http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=D470 More holly info. http://landscaping.about.com/cs/winterlandscaping1/a/holly_trees.htm There are several upright Junipers that might work for your living screen. Juniperus chinensis 'Spartan' - Spartan Juniper is one example. http://www.fowlersnursery.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=plants.plantDetail&plant_id=588 http://www.sunnygardens.com/garden_plants/juniperus/juniperus_1566.php If you have the space to let Canadian hemlock grow without pruning, that might also be an option. These can also be sheared. http://www.hort.uconn.edu/Plants/t/tsucan/tsucan1.html There are also many Yews (Taxus) that grow fairly quickly and will get quite large. This site should give you some ideas. It often loads slowly. http://www.jcbakker.com/pdf/evergreens.pdf More ideas: http://www.millernursery.com/evergreen.htm Here's some info about a living wall. http://landscaping.about.com/cs/hedgesfences/a/privacy_fences.htm Newt
Wow Newt! I can't wait to do my homework!!! I love the idea of mixing the species not just for the health and wellbeing of the plants but for the aesthetic value. Thank you! Chpielme
Chpielme, you are so very welcome! If you find you have the space you can add some flowering shrubs at a later date. Many viburnums are great for attracting birds who will serve your insect pests to their babies and eat them too! They also add life to the garden in winter. Newt
