On 3/20/12 4:37 AM, Gem wrote:
Hi Everyone

I am new to the forum and relatively new to gardening, my mission this
year is to sort out my garden.

I am wanting a climber which is fast growing, hardy, likes partial
shade, ideally evergreen and if possible something which flowers
although this is not essential.

I know the Russian Vine grows quickly but its looks a bit too straggly
for the 'look' I am wanting.

I am leaning towards virginia creeper but I know this isnt an evergreen
and doesnt flower. I am a bit dubious about going for an evergreen
clematis as a clematis I had last year didnt do well at all.

I have also come across the "Fire Creeper"?

I am currently growing from seed some Cobea (sp?) plant but I would like
something to cover my garage wall asap as it is very unsightly!

Anything which would attract birds or give them somewhere to nest would
be a great bonus!

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Gemma

Star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) is hardy to about -8C. It is
evergreen and will grow densely on a trellis. Against a wall, it will
need some kind of support, either being tied to the wall or else
growning on some kind of mesh hanging from the top of the wall. It
blooms repeatedly from late spring into early autumn, with small white,
star-like flowers that have a greate perfume. The plant prefers sun or
partial shade.

T. asiaticum is slightly more hardy than T. jasminoides.

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