JAPANESE HOLLY
Ilex crenata
‘Sky Pencil’ and ‘Sky Pointer’
Zones 5 – 8 ♦ Sun to Part Shade
4' – 8'+ tall, 1' – 3' wide
Spring flowers: inconspicuous
Attributes: Evergreen, narrow growth habit, deer and rabbit resistant, accent plant, privacy hedge, container plant, formal gardens
These no-fuss, “bean pole” shrubs have luxurious, shiny green leaves that look tidy year-round. I have grown ‘Sky Pencil’ for years and never, repeat, never pruned it. ‘Sky Pencil’ was introduced by the U.S. National Arboretum in 1985 with rave reviews. ‘Sky Pointer’ is a new, supposedly improved and stronger grower than ‘Sky Pencil’, a point still to be validated. Like ‘Graham Blandy’, both make terrific privacy hedges (with spiny leaves for additional emphasis), entranceway plantings and container specimens.
ARBORVITAE
Thuja occidentalis
‘Emerald Green’, ‘Emerald’, ‘Smaragd,’ ‘Degroot’s Spire’
Zones 2 – 7 ♦ Sun to Part Shade
7' – 14'+ tall, 3' – 5' wide
Non-flowering
Attributes: Evergreen, narrow growth habit, tolerates wet and clay soils, can be planted near black walnut trees
‘Emerald Green’, ‘Emerald’ and ‘Smaragd’ are all names used interchangeably for basically the same shrub. This narrow-growing evergreen is one of the most commonly sold hedge and foundation plants. Unlike ‘Emerald Green’, ‘Degroot’s Spire’ has a single leader, making it far less likely to splay open and flop after heavy snows and ices. This is a consideration for colder climate gardeners. These arborvitae are usually less expensive than ‘Graham Blandy’ and the ‘Sky Pencil’ twins, plus they grow at a fast pace. The only drawback — arborvitae can be a dinner bell for deer.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN JUNIPER
Juniperus scopulorum
‘Wichita Blue’
Zones 3 – 7 ♦ Sun
10' – 15' tall, 4' – 6' wide
Non-flowering
Attributes: Evergreen, narrow growth habit, deer resistant, drought tolerant, privacy hedge
‘Wichita Blue’s’ dusty-blue needles look vibrant year-round. That’s probably why it’s the top seller for blue, upright junipers. The shrub has a pyramidal habit and is pretty fast growing, typically averaging 8" of height a year. It does best in well-drained soil and hates wet feet. Put away the pruners for this virtually maintenance-free evergreen.
Additional narrow evergreen choices: columnar Hetz juniper (Juniperus chinensis ‘Hetzii Columnaris’), slender hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Gracilis’), columnar Japanese plum yew (Cephalotaxus harringtonia ‘Fastigiata’)
Eco-friendly bamboo fence from Cali Bamboo.
Fencing. If fencing is your preferred partition, then composite, wood and vinyl are most often used, but bamboo is catching on quickly. Bamboo is an environmentally sustainable resource that can last twice as long as cedar and it’s also termite resistant. Steel, aluminum and chain link usually don’t provide the level of privacy desired and barbed wire and electric fences are downright nasty. If possible, go with a structural style that allows some airflow and light. Semi-privacy fences still block the view but the boards are set slightly farther apart. Shadowbox fences (also called board-on-board) are another choice with alternating boards on both sides of the fence creating open-air shafts. Wood, composite or vinyl can be used with both of these configurations. Finally, don’t make the same mistake I did. I thought I knew where my property line was located and I was wrong. Very wrong! Let’s just say I had to do some “double digging” for a 140' fence. Be sure to contact the utility company to make sure no lines will be compromised while digging and check with your municipal office or residential association for any fencing regulations (i.e., height restrictions, setbacks from roads and/or property lines).
I loved this hilarious fence of recycled downhill skis on Martha’s Vineyard!
Sedum ‘Maestro’
Floral wall tapestries can be colorful problem solvers for those seeking outdoor privacy in condominiums and townhouses. These can be easily made by securing lattice to a planter box or buying pre-made trellis planters. Plant colorful annual vines or climbing veggies at the base of the lattice and let the scrambling artwork begin. You can even place these nifty screens on wheels to relocate them as needed.
Soaring water bills and watering restrictions have caused many to rethink their landscape. Parched plants gasping for daily gulps need to find a new home. If you’re not willing to part with these water hogs, then at least group them together in an area close to a water source. Or pot them in containers that allow for more efficient hydrating. No more dragging hoses to Timbuktu. I’ve also made it a habit to place drought tolerant plants in the deepest part of garden beds where irrigation may not reach; at the top of slopes where water drains away quickly; and in spots where competition from tree and shrub roots play havoc.
Dianthus ‘Raspberry Swirl’ – colorful and drought tolerant.
Drought Tolerant Perennials for Sun to Part Sun
CATMINT
Nepeta
Zones 3 – 8 ♦ Sun to Part Sun
