wrote:


: My wife and I live in northern Illinois and our neighbor behind us has
: a chain link fence. It's about 50 feet long and we would like to
: plant something along the fence line to hide it. Unfortunately, we
: know absolutely nothing about plants or gardening.

: Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas about what we can do?

Go to a reputable local nursery that sells shrubs and get some advice on
what might make a good low-maintenance hedge for your location, something
that won't need much trimming or pruning. You can choose a single plant or
mix up your shrubs for something a little more interesting. If you're
looking for a quick coverup, though, shrubs aren't it since they will take
a few years to establish. Since it's your neighbor's fence you probably
don't want to be growing vines on it, so that leaves out some quick fixes.

If you have more money than time and knowledge, any landscaping company
can put in plants for you. Or, if you want the guaranteed low-maintenance
solution, you could put in your own, more decorative fence up against the
chain link.

As for knowing absolutely nothing, that is easily remedied by a trip to
the library or bookstore or even Lowe's ;-) Sunset, Burpee, and Ortho all
put out inexpensive paperback books on shrubs that will give you all the
info you'll need plus pictures. But your very best bet is to bribe a
friend, relative or neighbor who gardens to give you some one-on-one
advice and assistance. Most gardeners are easily bribed with food rewards
;-)

-- Karen

The Garden Gate http://garden-gate.prairienet.org
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