On 11/20/11 9:22 AM, Higgs Boson wrote:
I am redoing the back area where I keep garden equipment -- tools,
bins, shelves -- other unsightly but necessary,"junque" back against
the property fence.

Idea is to create a visual screen by hanging a net upon which to train
up a vine, thus freeing up most of the area for decorative plants/
shrubs, plus maybe small table w/chairs.

Seeking recommendations for a REALLY fast-growing vine, preferably one
that blooms all year (yeah!), does not become unsightly, grows in nice
and thick, does not lose leaves in "winter".

(Soil is very fertile, area having previously housed laying hens!)

Your valuable input sought for this area -- So. Calif coastal.

TIA

HB


In your area, Bougainvillea or star jasmine (Trachelospermum) should do
very well.

I once saw a house in Santa Monica completely covered with
Bougainvillea. This vine grows quite quickly. It requires full sun and
ample water before blooming. Because of its very nasty thorns,
Bougainvillea is good on a property-line fence. It has a very long
bloom period. In Thousand Oaks, it's still in bloom at Gardens of the
World.

Star jasmine is somewhat slower and might require 2-3 years to provide a
complete screen. It has no thorns. Star jasmine blooms on and off from
late spring well into the fall. The flowers are very fragrant. Star
jasmine requires full or part sun and ample water.

Instead of netting, use chicken wire. It's more permanent. Both
Bougainvillea and star jasmine might require some training since neither
has "hold fasts" to cling to a surface. Bougainvillea might have a more
open growth; star jasmine grows quite dense, completely hiding whatever
is behind it. Both are evergreen.

Check Sunset's "Western Garden Book" for details about both vines.

--
David E. Ross
Climate: California Mediterranean, see
http://www.rossde.com/garden/climate.html
Gardening diary at http://www.rossde.com/garden/diary