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16-03-2003, 04:56 AM

GrampysGurl, wrote...

Was thinking about Privet, but from what I've read it sounds like it's
invasive, burdensome, and high maintenance. Maintenance doesn't bother me
much, but I don't think my neighbor would appreciate something that would
spread into his yard.

Any input appreciated.
Chris Swartz

I am zone 5 Connecticut and we love our Privets. During the summer months we
trim them monthly to keep them neat; it's the only formal aspect of the garden.
Our privet are currently about 10 foot tall and 2 and 1/2- 3 foot wide and
about 40 foot long. They don't spread from the ground, only in size as the
branches grow. They are high maintenance in their need to be trimmed though
they can be let to grow wild but I would think they would get large. They bloom
and actually have small berries. Ours are grown in together quite thick and
even give some privacy during the winter.... the sparrows roost in them over
the winter as well. Mountain laurels (Kalmia latifolia) are lovely but would
need and underplanting for true privacy.
Colleen
Connecticut

Thanks to all who replied. I do believe I will go with my original choice
of Privet.

-Chris Swartz