fence vs plants in front yard (flowers, growing, spring, pruning)

[bgmv90]

I'm debating between putting up a rail fence vs putting a row of matching shrubs along my front yard. I can do either one, but I'm not sure which will look better. Any pros/cons from people who have done either one or both?

[TinaMcG]

Trust me, you will put up the fence and then look at it and say, "Hey, that fence sticks out like a sore thumb. I need to plant shrubs in front of it."

So unless you need the fence as a physical barrier (to the extent that a rail fence can be a barrier), I would plant shrubs. If the area is friendly to Viburnums, I'd plant those. There are 150 varieties, most of which are fantastic. They're low maintenance, rarely need pruning, they're beautiful and they are great three-season shrubs. Flowers in spring, berries in fall, and some of them have gorgeous fall color. You could do a border of mixed viburnums. I've done that and it's growing in beautifully.

http://www.classicviburnums.com/inde...home/index.htm

[Pitt Chick]

Live plants are much better imho.

[Bulldogdad]

Fence-higher upfront cost, usually lower regular labor maintenance.

Plants- comparatively minimal upfront cost, usually higher regular labor maintenance

Viburnum spring bouquet and glossy abelia are two good choices. Plus the ol standby privet and red tipped photinea.

When I do natural barriers I always suggest a variety of plants not a monoculture wall.

[Pitt Chick]

Originally Posted by Bulldogdad

Viburnum spring bouquet and glossy abelia are two good choices.

??
How do you know they will do well in the OP's zone? Zone wasn't specified....

Both of those would not last a winter here.

[Bulldogdad]

Originally Posted by Pitt Chick

??
How do you know they will do well in the OP's zone? Zone wasn't specified....

Both of those would not last a winter here.

What are you the zone police?

The OP can figure that out for themselves or ask the question.

[Pitt Chick]

They were not even asking for advice on what to plant... so I was surprised that you know exactly what they should be putting in.

And no, I am not the zone police, but I do not suggest plants inappropriate for someone's area. No sense getting them excited about something that cannot live in their yard!

[azoria]

Originally Posted by Bulldogdad

and red tipped photinea.

.

What??

Nonononono. No!

Nyet, nein, nunca, nevah photinia.

[TinaMcG]

I recommended Viburnums. Am I in trouble too?

I agree about red-tipped photinia. Nasty thing.

[Pitt Chick]

Originally Posted by TinaMcG

I recommended Viburnums. Am I in trouble too?

LOL!
No, of course not!

There are hundreds of different viburnums; I am sure the OP can get one appropriate for his/her area.