Hi Bluedog, we're in Melbourne, with a front facing the West. I've been
researching bouganvillea quite extensively, and have discovered that their
root system is on the fragile side, according to a number of web sites I've
visited. I also noticed this when I first planted a few plants around our
garden, when at first the plants suffered a bit of shock, but then after
that just shot up and grew (other than the one my dog ate, she loves chewing
wood or anything that looks like a dead plant, or even if there's a
possibility it might die).

Alternative plants for hedges I've found have included Hawthorn (Crataegus
Monogyna), which is a nice prickly plant (and no, my dog won't be going
anywhere near the front) and then also the Mexican White Blossom).

Any thoughts on the merits of these plants??

"Bluedog" wrote in message
. au...
Hi Casey,
What is your climatic zone, or where are you?

"Litl Fish" wrote in message
...
Hi folks,
Now a hedge starts to look more attractive. The cost is cheaper, I don't
need Council permission, it looks FAR better, and I can stick gates
where
required at the ends inside our property. Decision made, now I seek your
helpful and expert advice please.

What would be an ideal intruder stopper, but would look nice? I'd just
like
some ideas on some radical hedges, but nothing higher than about 1.5m,
and
we don't like conifers. The hedge would be placed in well-drained soil
right
above the weed mat covered drainage screenings (with aggy pipes inside).
The
soil inside of the retaining walls and below the surface is clay, but
the
hedge would be sitting on well drained soil/compost. (Although I've
bought
a
pH tester, I haven't used it yet!)

Are there any "tropical" hedges that grow fast and thick? (We're trying
to
establish a semi-tropical/semi-arid garden!) And then what is the best
way
to buy them, tubestock, seeds, or what?

Thanking you in advance for your advice......

Casey