skip to main content

Gardening in Oz

I have no sun

12 years ago

In serious need of help.
I have a north facing garden that gets absolutely no sun from april/september, then gets full sun sept/march.
The builder has planted Hibiscus along the fence line but they are not doing well.
I have spoken to plant nurserys but they cannot offer any good advice.
What can I plant there to block my neighbours view and looks nice, I need some plants/scrubs to grow at least 2-3 metres high for some privacy,

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

alisonoz_gw
12 years ago
Wish we had web-cam on these forums! Would be great to have an actual look at the area.
Firstly, what blocks off your sun over winter?
Secondly, I suppose, what's the dividing fence made of and how high is it?
3rd how much set-back is there from the fence to the next permanent structure - such as the house.
4 is there a pool in the back yard, or any other reason that taller shrubs could create a problem.
5 is the privacy your main concern or are you looking for shade as well.
Some photos really would help if you are able to post?
blue105
Original Author
12 years ago
In reply to your 5 points
1. The house next door as the sun moves north for our winter.
2. Timber fence 8 feet tall
3. set back is 2m, its my side passage
4. no pool justv want high plants to block view from nose neighbour as his property is higher than mine.
5. privacy is main concern
Hope this helps.
Related Discussions
Do I have enough sun to grow roses?
Q
Comments (11)
what direction is the sun from? I have found that east sun, IMHO, is better than west sun, for those areas that don't get full sun. and DO have some really successful roses that are under trees, but get a texas sized blast of morning sun, til noon at best, more like 11am, so 5 hours of sun (at best, some dappled) and do beautifully. I am no expert, but ICEBERG really get so little sun, 2 hours at best ( and only a month or so either side of june 21, as on north east side) and PLAYBOY, not much better. The rest of the day is bright light, but honestly, no sun. (((please don't blast me folks, but really, bright light is doing it for these guys))) no, I am not advocating planting roses in the shade, but some really can put up with bright light and a few hours of direct sun...IMHO. yes, they are more leggy than others...
...See More
Sun Blanket flowers Gross Slimy things on flowers?
Q
Comments (4)
Sounds like slugs. A slug bait containing iron phosphorus, beer traps emptied frequently, hand picking and squishing are some control options.
...See More
shade or do I have some sun?
Q
Comments (2)
6 hours of sunlight is supposed to be full sun, so the things that are getting morning sun and shade in the afternoon probably count as full sun. Many plants prefer to get sun in the morning and shade in the heat of the afternoon, especially in hotter zones. I would venture to guess that a lot of "full sun" plants will need a little shelter in your climate. I have a dilemma similar to yours; I don't have time to sit and figure out where there's sun and where there isn't, so this is what I've been doing. When you buy your plants, leave them in their pots in the place where you want to put them for a couple of weeks. If they don't turn yellow, they're probably getting enough sun to live. They may not get enough to bloom properly, but the vast majority of plants don't mind being moved once in a while, so you can always fix that later. Of course, I'm the kind of gardener who buys things when they're on sale and plops them wherever I think they'll look good, so if you're a planner this might not be the technique for you. Just remember that gardening is an art, not a science. :) Tara
...See More
Looking for sun-shade options for 2nd floor room
Q
Comments (1)
Not familiar with anything other then an awning type application but I am not sure I would spend anything else on them before you get the new units. Possible some tint on the exterior of the windows?
...See More
oldnod
12 years ago
Blue my first thought is Sheena's Gold. It is the most vigorous plant we have in our yard. Needs pruning three times a year.

Admittedly ours get a lot of sun but I get the impression that it would grow in shade also. Others may like to comment further on this.

Nod
alisonoz_gw
12 years ago
What are you trying to screen off on your side - windows or an entertainment area and ground level or higher?
How high is the neighbour's place in comparison? S mean, single level but higher, or 2 story looking down?
Plants are not always the answer as they aren't an instant fix. They take time to grow - sometimes years to reach the height you want.
Meanwhile, what goes up needs to go down - a root system that may prove invasive if you have pipes and such.
What goes up also sometimes goes out - requiring pruning on both your side and the neighbour's (if planted along the boundary).
I'm only wondering if there is something more "instant" you could do - in terms of hanging baskets on your side, or some sort of window shades or shade-screen on your side? Or a trellis within your passage area that would allow plants to grow up faster?
alisonoz_gw
12 years ago
Sorry, and I meant to say, go talk to your local council and find out whatever rules might apply - and whether you are free to do certain things to put up a screen without approvals.
funnelweb
12 years ago
blue 105, can you take a photo and post it so we can see what you are up against? Soil might also be a problem.
B.
patchyjack
12 years ago
I reckon bamboo would do it.
It has a shallow root system, it's sun tolerant, shade tolerant and it grows really fast if you give it a regular dose of slow release fertiliser.
You can get lots of different types, plenty of which are the clumping, non-invasive types. Some of them are really interesting-looking too!

Related Stories

Kitchen Window Treatments - Let the Sun Shine In..Or Not!

ARCHITECTURE What You Must Know About the Sun and Your Home

By Duo Dickinson, architect

Learn about the powerful effects of sunlight on house materials and more, and see 7 homes that address the sun's rays beautifully

PLANTING IDEAS Great Garden Combo: Tropical Beauties for a Sun-Drenched Border

These standouts hold up in drought, heat and humidity — and their good looks hold up to scrutiny

Here Comes the Sun

By The Lettered Cottage

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Axminster Gold Comfrey for Sun or Shade

Plant this perennial for bold color that will light up shady spots, sparkle in the sun and add interest from spring until fall

WINDOW TREATMENTS A Surefire Way to Prevent Sun Damage Indoors

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Why let light ruin your furniture, floors and artwork, when the solution could be as simple as applying high-quality window film?

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Great Design Plant: Sun-Loving Ninebark Puts on a Color Show

This tall, dark and handsome native shrub is equally at home in jeans and boots or in a suit and tie

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Tiny Sun-Bathed Apartment in California

By Vanessa Brunner

A photographer fills her first solo home, a rented apartment in Venice, with flea market finds and resourceful storage

ARCHITECTURE Modern Homes That Control the Sun

See architecture that creates shade and manages temperatures — and offers some much-needed visual escapism

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: An 1887 Duplex Finds the Sun

By Laura Garner

A new solarium, yellow paint and other makeover touches bring sunny cheer to a Montreal home

Sponsored