Re: Design Issue

Given your hardpan, I'd build a raised bed at least a foot high...18"
would be better.  Otherwise, it does not sound like much of anything
of a woody nature is going to thrive or even survive.

Given the extreme narrowness of the planting area, have you
considered building a pergola effect - could be simply posts and
connecting beams or even chain - and growing vines, who require less
ground space than other plants; grow fast and many well over 10' in
height.  Since you already have a 5' fence, you could simply beef up
the posts that support it and, possibly install trellis sections
above the (I assume) solid part and grow vines up the trellis.

There are some very narrow junipers - 'Skyrocket' comes to mind - as
well as fastigate hollies and other shrubs, but all of them will
require several years to top out at ten feet.

Extra fast growth can be had from Leyland Cypress, _but_ they all
want to be pretty wide.  They can be pruned, indeed sheared, but you
need to start early and keep it up since they do not sprout from old
wood.

Marge Talt, zone 7 Maryland
mtalt@clark.net
Editor:  Gardening in Shade
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From: Duncan McAlpine <mcalpin1@yahoo.com>
Date: Thursday, July 13, 2000 2:20 PM

I am basically completed (who is really done in a
garden) with my front yard for this year and I've
planted what I need in my back as cash permits.  Now I
am working on the side garden.   I plan taking
pictures to show everyone.

Here are the problems I'm facing with the side garden:

Hardpan soil that is so tough that I would never
assume a root would survive
4 inches of topsoil.  
A 5 foot fence
A planting area that is 2.5 feet wide.  One side has
the fence and the other side is the edge of a path.
SUN: 6 hours min in the summer and may decrease in the
winter.
Neighborhood covidence: no tree greater than 16 feet
(views)

Here is the issue; I would like to plant a screening
to block a window view of a house that is being built
next door.  I would also like an evergreen plant. 
Plant zone is 7-8.

Length of the screening - 6 feet

So what would you do?

I have one idea.

Duncan


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