Follow Us!
† Requires Javascript
Copyright © 1997-2009 Demand Media. All rights reserved.
|
| Member | Message |
|---|---|
 |
Posted: Mar/28/2009 2:57 PM PST
Sorry for the confusion folks, USDA says I'm in ZONE 7B. I just found out. My Sunset Garden Book said I was in zone 3b in their book. I thought they were all the same... I could use some help... I live in the San Bernardino mountains of Southern California (near Big Bear). We most definitely get snow and cold weather (hit 12° mark this year), and we got hit with a couple of severe storms for here, this is not normal, but as you can see it happens. I don't want a bush. I'd like a vine, preferrably evergreen, some flowers in summer/spring would be nice but not essential. The fence is 4' high and runs the length of my yard about 70 ft. Part of the fence is used for a dog run, so I can't have it take over the area. Most of the fence gets sun all day, some more intensly than others. In the summer a section of the fence in the front yard is in shade because of the black locust (bush on the left) and the maple tree (on the right). There is another section of fence on the other side of the house that needs covering too. I'd like to hide the neighbor's sheds. These photos were taken Mar 21, 2009 around 11:00. I know I'm asking a lot, but if anyone could help me it would be you seasoned gardeners. Any suggestions? Oh, and if my local nursery doesn't stock these plants how would I get them? Attachments:     |
 |
Posted: Mar/28/2009 4:07 PM PST
You might want to try an english ivy. They are evergreen. But for flowers and an incredible scent you might also consider a purple wisteria, or possibly a vinca. The vinca is evergreen as well, but not sure how it will do there, as it maybe only hardy to zone 4. They have pretty lavender colored flowers though, so might be worth a try. |
 |
Posted: Mar/28/2009 5:16 PM PST
You can get fence slats to weave into the fence: http://www.yourfencestore.com/slatchoice.htm |
|
|
Posted: Mar/28/2009 9:16 PM PST
Skellog, Thanks for the suggestions. I have vinca major growing all over the side yard. It was there when we bought the house 8 yrs ago. It doesn't climb, it's a ground cover. Drat! I wish it did climb I can't get rid of the stuff and it pops up everywhere. I tried to get it to climb the fence but it won't do it. Instead it started creeping all over my planting area. Wisteria won't make it up here either. Deciduous. I need something evergreen. I've heard that ivy is hard to contain, and can easily get away from you. I've already got vinca doing that so I'm hesitant to use ivy. |
|
|
Posted: Mar/28/2009 9:17 PM PST
ga girl: We priced fence slats. To do it would cost more than the fence is worth. Those babies are expensive. I thought a plant would be prettier, cheaper, and add more character. Thanks for the suggestion. Don't give up on me now 
|
 |
Posted: Mar/29/2009 4:40 AM PST
How about Carolina jessamine or Confederate jasmine? They are both pretty much evergreen and have yellow flowers in the spring and white ones in the summer respectively. They ought to live in your climate. |
|
|
Posted: Mar/29/2009 4:29 PM PST
Thanks Witt, I will look it up in my garden "bible", and see what it says. The closest nursery is not in my zone, it's down the hill, and they might not carry this plant. Any idea how I can get one if it will make it up here? I forgot to ask, if it gets flowers will it attract bees? I don't want my puppies getting stung. |
|
|
Posted: Mar/31/2009 4:58 AM PST
Almost all flowers attract bees, and thank heaven for that! Bees don't sting unless you step on them. They don't attack. If you get too close while they are working, they just fly away and come back later. Bees are GOOD. If we didn't have bees, we wouldn't eat! Oh, and I don't know where you could order the plants, but I'm sure you can find them. I just don't know how they would do in your zone. |
 |
Posted: Mar/31/2009 4:14 PM PST
I know this is wayyyyyy off topic, but Im curious as to what kind of tree that is in the third picture with the person standing next to it. Its looking pretty monstrous. Can anyone tell? |
|
|
Posted: Apr/01/2009 3:06 AM PST
Ryan, Ponderosa Pine. There's more photo's, and information at this link http://www.cnr.vt.edu/DENDRO/DENDROLOGY/syllabus/f actsheet.cfm?ID=108 That one is over 100 ft. Tall. I have several on my lot. One in the sideyard is bigger than that one. You ought to see them sway in the wind! They drop a ton of pinecones not to mention all the sap they leak, (really does a number on your car), and they drop a fine yellow powder in late spring that wreaks havoc on your allergies. Other than that they are great trees. Attachments:  |
† Requires Javascript
Copyright © 1997-2009 Demand Media. All rights reserved.
