eadaein, I've done a bit of research on this subject and have this to say about that! I chose a Shamel Ash for the front yard. It's a fast grower, looks great now and this is its first spring. For the backyard I'm planning a 'second patio' area that will be three Royal Poinciana's in a grouping, each tree about 20' apart. I believe they are also fast growers and will grow to a wide, flat umbrella if properly trained. The only thing about that Indian Rosewood is the upright shape. For a shade tree I prefer a wide crown, rounded crown or even the vase-shape to an upright. But it depends too on where the tree is going, etc, etc. There is a free booklet available at most nurseries called Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert. It has lots of great information. For example, they list the Indian Rosewood tree as a fast grower (40' x 30')with an upright shape, low litter, no thorns and it's a large shade tree. Eucalyptus grow fast but I hate those trees. Re: the vines the booklet says cat claw grows fast but can damage walls and fences. Think about Lady Banks roses, little maintenance, fast grower, thick evergreen. I guess I would put a sturdy trellis around the house for whatever you plant to climb up so it's not climbing right onto the house. Just an idea. HTH and good luck. Mary

Try barberry. (Berberis thunbergii) This thorny shrub grows wild in here in Northern Vermont and may often be found in shady woods. You must prune this back to get it to fill out and it will grow faster in the light than in shade. It is widely used as an ornamental but some consider it a pest as it is hard to kill. Here is a link that might be useful:

I was looking through my Wayside Gardens catalogue the other day and they sell a vine called "Dutchmans Pipe" that they say is for shade. I have a fence in the shade I also want to cover, this vine caught my eye. I have no experience with it but am willing to give it a go.

I live in Zone 8 in the Los Angeles County in Southern California. There is currently a big gap right by the door (on the outside). Its big enough to fit someone and i'm hoping it won't be a robber or anything of that sort. I was to cover it by buying a thin but tall trellis and training some vines to go up on it. What suggestions do you guys have? I want something that will stay green all year round, preferably something that flowers, but most importantly, something that grows in almost full shade and FAST.