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nafex - [NAFEX] Off topic - landscaping advice wanted

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  • From: list@ginda.us
  • To: NAFEX <nafex@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: [NAFEX] Off topic - landscaping advice wanted
  • Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2007 10:53:35 -0400

Well, it's not completely off-topic, as it would be fun to get a fruiting plant. . .

I have a sort of built-in concrete planter between the driveway, the house, and the staircase to the front door. It's 3' by 3' wide, and at least 4' deep - I doubt there's actually a "bottom" but there's probably not great dirt lower down, since there's foundation and stuff under there. Right now it holds a large arborvita, which is currently weighed down with snow and bent over the staircase. There's a matching arborvita on the other side of the garage (at the corner of the house) and a much nicer one at the other corner of the house.

The arborvita that blocks the staircase has to go. I am looking for a suitable replacement. I might replace the one on the other side of the driveway at the same time, for symmetry. Whatever I get needs to

*thrive in zone 6, with the protection of the house
*do okay in shade from nearby white oaks
*stay no more than 3' wide when mature
*be satisfied with the 3'x3' pot
*be at least 4' tall. Anything up to 15' or 20' could be okay, and a mature height of 8'-10' is probably optimal
*look nice year round

The house faces south east, and white oaks don't cast deep shade, so there's enough light for many plants (the arborvita is pretty happy, and I grow impatiens and yew and grass in slightly heavier shade nearby.) But maybe not enough light for fruit? The soil is probably somewhat acid, this being New England, and is otherwise pretty good. Sort of mixed loam and chunks of granite and rotting oak leaves. Actually, I wonder if the proximity of the concrete changes the pH of the soil?

Ultimately, I suppose I'll go to some nearby nurseries and see what's available, but I'd like some ideas of what I ought to look for. I've been experimenting with cold-hardy camellias, thinking that might be fun, but they aren't reliable enough for such a prominent position. I've also considered an upright sort of blueberry - one with red stems might be nice in the winter, but they grow awfully slowly, and I'm not sure there's enough light there.

Thanks,
Ginda

eastern Mass., zone 6, digging out slowly. . .




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