Anyone know about privacy hedges?

[jeffmem]

I would like to find some plants that I can use to in lieu of a fence around my property. I have seen some like the picture below that seem to grow 10-12 feet but have no idea what they are called or how to obtain them. Any ideas?

[Guest billwilly73]

Try here http://michiganbulb.com/category.asp?c=9 They have lots of landscaping stuff and ideas

[Guest nraforlife]

Try firethorn bushes, know as pyracantha. We have them outside our place and the barrier is impossible to get through without leaving skin and blood. Cats don't even try to get to the bird nests. Only real issue is that they are a bitch to prune as the branches are thick and the thorns are really really sharp. Prunning and raking them up requires leather gloves and really really thick trash bags.

Pyracantha is recommended for it's:

Foliage - as it is evergreen

All year round interest - as it has bright glossy berries during the winter months

Climbing ability - it loves to grow against walls or trellis

Hedging ability - can be used as an excellent hedge plant, deterring unwanted visitors with its sharp thorns

Edible berries - Did you know that Pyracantha berries make a lovely, almost marmalade like jelly? (See Pyracantha Jelly recipe)

Fertilizing ability - When shaping your firethorn bush, always throw the trimmings into the compost bin, as the berries are naturally good fertilizers, and easily break down in the soil.

Edited December 7, 2008 by nraforlife

[jeffmem]

Thanks guys.

[VERO1]

Also check out the various varieties of Holly. We havs some mean S.O.B.'s around our house. We just moved here so not really sure what variety they are.

[Fadex]

That looks like some type of Yew. It al depends on what type of soil you have, how much maintenance you are willing to do, and what look you are going for. If you are looking for screening ONLY, I would suggest one of the clumping varieties of bamboo (make sure it's a clumping variety or your neighbors and everyone else will have bamboo), variegated Japanese ligustrum (privet) can be sheared into a nice hedge form, those two are also pretty inexpensive. A combination of Foster Holly's, Arborvitae, and large Viburnum would also make a good screen. If you are looking for something mean to hurt anyone that gets in it let me know and I can come up with something for that application also.

[Garufa]

Looks kinda like Privet. It'll grow! Tall, thick & fast.

Bamboo does well in Memphis. You can have all you want if you're willing to go over to my Mom's house & get rid of the stuff.