Wow prubo! Glad to see you found what sounds like a beautiful solution! I have seen those units and what you have planted will be gorgeous. THANKFULLY my neighbor from hell MOVED. He's gone! Now a woman around my age is there and she has been pleasant and has pretty kept to herself, so I am truly relieved. Betsy - regarding the cannas... What sadly happens up here is that since we (myself and prubo) are somewhat near the ocean, that cold water and the marine layer air that blows our way, tends to extend out the chill in spring and limits when cannas really get to growing. They usually don't size up enough to be screen-like until mid-late summer (unless overwintered intact inside). And if we wanted a longer period screen, there would need to be something else there until they come up to size. However they will be good through to October/November as a screen due to warm falls (again due to the then warm ocean). I have some cannas right now that I finally put outside a couple weeks ago (kept them inside during winter but left the live foliage in place). But until we get a few days of blowtorch heat (coming soon), they'll sortof languish there and take their time growing.

Thank you everyone! I'm in Sonoma County, in the North Bay Area, Sunset zone 14. Are you sure 15'-20' would be enough? I was thinking more along the lines of 30-40', but I'm really bad at estimating how large things are/need to be. My Mother's top choice would be a Mimosa tree because we see them around town doing so well and they are beautiful. I've heard that mimosas tend to create lots of seedlings, but our neighbor has a mimosa tree and we haven't noticed any seedlings on our property in the 5 years we've been living here. We have a fig tree already, it's actually further up the field and from the right angle it does exactly what I want the new tree to do. I could plant a different fruit tree there, but I was under the impression it would need a larger tree than I had planned on putting in my orchard. Although nut trees tend to grow pretty large, maybe a walnut would be good? I'll have to check my Sunset book again, I looked under 'Plants for growing under oaks' and they only listed shrubs, perennials, etc. Further study told me I should absolutely not plant a Bay Laurel tree, but other than that I'm still pretty clueless. I will return to my Sunset guide, and maybe stop by the 'tree farm' that is close to my house. They have a vested interest in selling me something but are very knowledgeable about growing trees in this area, so it should be helpful. Thanks again, I will return with a list of potential trees I'm thinking of ; )

The "paddle plant" Kalanchoe thyrsifolia can also take cold temps close to freezing as long as the soil is relatively dry. It is normal for the older lower leaves to dry out and die, they will be replaced by offsets that come up from the base. Also, do not touch the leaves or you will have permanent fingerprints! ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY DO NOT USE PEAT Not only is it hydrophobic as stated by Jo aka SJV, but as it breaks down the by-products are toxic and not tolerated well by slower growing plants like most succulents. Peat is only useful for succulents in very low doses (~10%) or if the soil mix is changed every year. x

If you are growing them out side they can't take the cold. and water this time of the year. It is a Madagascar species. It is a Kalanhoe but I bet you already knew that. Norma