Thanks! I've heard of the purple hyacinth vine too, but is there any possibility of getting it NOT as seed? Or scarlet runners? Even something that will make it partway thru the summer would be better than nothing. I was thinking about tomatoes in a couple of big containers -- hoping to find some Celebrity -- but I hadn't thought of growing them up the wall. My main criteria for back there is "green," so getting some tomatoes (or ANY tomatoes) out of it would be a bonus. Will tomato vines live through the summer here, even if they aren't setting fruit? I'll check out okra, and sunflowers might be cool. You've got me thinking outside the box now. Heck, maybe I'll try some corn back there, or some other type of bean or pea. Direct sow and see what happens. Again, if it doesn't do "all that well" or gets fried or eaten or makes a bit of a mess back there I won't be heartbroken. I just want a bit of a screen that won't be a nightmare to get rid of later. One other option would be something viney that is quick and long-term but controllable -- if it would stay on the wall behind the roses and not try to eat them, that would be completely acceptable. I just don't want cat claw or something horrific like that.

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

Hi Fretal, Well, you have planted some lovely things for your area, and they would fill out quickly except that 1 foot deep and one foot wide of soil is simply not enough space!! You planted perennial vines that want deep roots, and lots of space to grow. They need at MINIMUM 3' deep of soil and probably at least 3' wide, even then you will eventually find yourself constantly watering. I'm sorry but it may be time to quickly find much larger containers and transfer your plants over to something of a good size so you see nice growth for spring like you want! Your planter boxes are window boxes are are suitable for annual plants (even then, in our summers annuals can fill a window box so quickly) - things that will be pretty for a season. Is there a Big Lots in Athens? They may have some nice size containers for inexpensive. I also purchased pretty but very large cement pottery from the recycle place across from the J&J flea market, I bought HUGE cement pots that were seconds for $10 each.

I have tons of Red Trumpet Vines you may like. Grow fast. Email me Sunny