I also was considering Candy Land maybe one fourth of July and a Candy Land on the other side somewhere.. Don't have that much room on the other side though will have to see..

I really want to use one of the varieties I have on hand, thanks. Back there yesterday prepping the soil and the area gets more light than I thought (we lost two huge hickory trees over the winter). It was blazing sun from 11:30 am until 1pm and probably other times as well. I need to do a shade study, lol, but I am now reassured concerning the amount of light. I do plan to train along the fence, and can keep anything controlled. If I place the shrubs far enough in front do we think the Sweet Autumn could be used? I am leaning away from Sweet Summer Love as folks have been reporting it slow to get established and I want something that will explode back there. Babs- as far as the Sweet Autumn being invasive- I have had so much trouble getting them established here as there is something with a radar nose for them that eats them the first night they go into the ground. I just planted a new one in a wire basket inside a wire cylinder and even then am afraid to go check it this morning for fear it will be gone. How on earth can something so tasty survive growing wild in the woods? My deer population is skyrocketing daily out there. I know you can't answer for me, but I wonder just how out of control this could get given my propensity for pruning. My compost heap is just on the other side of the fence so it's easy to toss clippings. And now I'm rationalizing. Decisions, decisions.

Doubt it is basswood, the original is from salvaged pine. More than likely it is stained, and a waxed finish is applied. I would look at Weatherwood stains. https://www.weatherwoodstains.com/

Ben Moore Black Forest Green is a terrific color for gates and fences. Blends in with the landscape and is doesn't show dirt. Light colored fences/gates are very unforgiving.