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Need plant suggestions ....I want a tall hedge/shrub privacy fence ... bird friendly

Gardening Reference » Gardening in 2006
by Starla in GA on April 23, 2006 04:53 PM
I have a privacy fence on 3 sides of my yard ... we opted not to put up a fence on the 4th side due to the fact that my neighbor had a privacy fence up that was partially on MY side of the property line (long story)....

Now I am feeling the need to put *something* on that side of the yard. I currently have roses growing there but plan to move them in the fall. I would like something that is evergreen... fast growing... reaches at least 5 ft tall up to 10 ft tall.... flowers/berries a plus but not a must .... Bird friendly (feeding/sheltering)....

That spot is full sun up until about 3 pm and then it goes into partial-full shade. Ga clay however I always replace the dirt around plants with a top soil/hummus/potting soil/sand mixture.

Oh and I am in zone 7a

Any ideas/ suggestions for me?

Thanks so much!!!

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~*~Starla~*~
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Pictures of: My back yard "garden" http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2107756626&idx=0
Pictures of :My back yard "visitors" http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2107551253
My water garden in progress http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2106370269
by kyjoy on April 24, 2006 06:17 AM
There are lots of things you can plant for privacy. I used ornamental grass, various bushes that produce fruit for birds; i.e., Multi-stemmed Serviceberry. I also plant avoriatae.
by The Plant Doc on April 24, 2006 07:03 AM
You may want to check out some of the up right junipers. They are pretty quick growers,dence, evergreen, and have small berries, that I think birds eat, but not sure. They can also be pruned to shape.

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Mike Maier
aka
The Plant Doc
by tkhooper on April 24, 2006 10:16 AM
I like quince but it does travel so you have to stay on top of it. It produces fruit that is human friendly so I'm sure the wildlife would like it too. It does have very large thorns so it is a nice nesting place for small wild creatures that need protection. It also produces very early spring flowers that are very very pretty.

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by RugbyHukr on April 25, 2006 03:07 AM
heteromeles arbutifolia 'toyon' or 'christmas berry'

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I love the sweet scents wafting in the breeze. I stop to admire the vibrant colors of all living things. And people think me odd. Then ODD I am!!!

http://community.webshots.com/user/flugnash
by Budman on April 25, 2006 05:33 AM
Starla,

I have a similar situation in my yard and I went with Leland Cypress, which is an upright evergreen that looks similar to abrovitae or red cedar. It has an upright habit, grows quickly and really tolerates that clay soil. I am in the same zone as you and the Virgina clay has got to be just as bad as that in Georgia [Razz] The tree does not have much in the way of flowers or fruit, but does provide a good nesting site and shelter. The main thing is that it is a hardy tree that grows quickly and is virtualy maintainance free. Makes a great screen for pesky neighbors. [thumb]
by johnCT on April 26, 2006 08:11 AM
I used blue prince and princess hollies to hide an electrical box on my property. Beautiful year round evergreen foliage, hardy, red berries on the female plants in the fall which birds adore and it tops out at 12-14 feet if left unpruned. Leyland cypress will grow to 60-70 feet.

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John - Zone 6
by peppereater on April 26, 2006 08:51 AM
Foster hollies are another good holly...somewhat pyramidal shape, very "neat" growth, and heavy berry production. Cedar Waxwings, cardinals and jays love the berries.

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Dave
Even my growlights are getting restless!
by Starla in GA on April 26, 2006 01:56 PM
Thanks guys!

I've been thinking about Leland Cypress... but wasnt sure about the height and lack of berries.... The thought of a holly is a good idea... now to figure out which ones grow the fastest, oh and I didnt realize that hollies ALSO needed male and female (anyone who read my "fruit" tree ordeal knows I just learned that with them too)

Good suggestions.. keep 'em coming [Smile]

Thanks!!

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~*~Starla~*~
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Pictures of: My back yard "garden" http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2107756626&idx=0
Pictures of :My back yard "visitors" http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2107551253
My water garden in progress http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2106370269
by Starla in GA on May 03, 2006 12:32 PM
YAY! I found 4 Blue Princess hollies @ Lowes today for $5 WOOHOO!! Now to find a blue prince to go with them!

Thanks for all of the suggestions!

Does anyone know how fast they grow?

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~*~Starla~*~
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Pictures of: My back yard "garden" http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2107756626&idx=0
Pictures of :My back yard "visitors" http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2107551253
My water garden in progress http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2106370269

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