Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_43.gif)
Wednesday - May 28, 2008
From: Delta , BC
Region: Canada
Topic: Shrubs
Title: Evergreen shrub/tree for British Columbia.
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
What kind of hedge or trees might work to provide privacy in our lower mainland British Columbia yard/garden? We need something evergreen that is perhaps,fast growing. Our yard is not deep and our kitchen window is only about 7 metres from a shared wooden fence. Any advice would be appreciated!ANSWER:
You are very lucky living in British Columbia where you have several evergreen shrubs and trees from which to choose. Actually, you are very lucky living in British Columbia because it is really beautiful there!Here are a few suggestions for you.
SHRUBS
Ceanothus velutinus (snowbrush ceanothus) and more information from Washington Native Plant Society.
Gaultheria shallon (salal) and more information from King County, Washington.
Ledum glandulosum (western Labrador tea) and information from Montana Plant-Life.org.
Mahonia aquifolium (hollyleaved barberry) and more information and photos from Virginia Tech University.
Morella californica (California wax myrtle) and more information and photos from Virginia Tech University.
Rhododendron macrophyllum (Pacific rhododendron) and information from Washington Native Plant Society.
SMALL TREES
Taxus brevifolia (Pacific yew) and more information from the British Columbia Ministry of Forests and Range
Thuja plicata (western red cedar) and more information from University of Connecticut.
More Shrubs Questions
Plants for a creek bank in Northern Illinois
March 26, 2009 - Hello.
I live in Northern Illinois. The creek (northern exposure in a wooded area) on the back of my property has bare muddy banks and is subject to seasonal floods. I want to plant something hardy t...
view the full question and answer
Skin allergies; is Juniper the culprit in Simi Valley, CA?
July 21, 2012 - My husband and I have had terrible skin allergy problems this spring (for me it's been 3 years) and think it may be the juniper bushes outside our bedroom and kitchen windows. Is there a fast growin...
view the full question and answer
Maine Coastal Shrub for Choral Composition
January 30, 2016 - I'm a choral composer writing a piece of music about Maine. What kind of shrubby things hang on to the rocky bluffs, right by the sea? I'm an avid native plant gardener, but I know my own Massachu...
view the full question and answer
Non-berrying possumhaw from Austin
June 05, 2014 - I planted a possumhaw 8 to 10 years ago for the beautiful winter color, it has never set berries. I see tiny white flowers along the branches each spring, and always hope this will be the year, but I...
view the full question and answer
Pruning a Martha Gonzales rose
January 20, 2016 - How much should I prune back an established Martha Gonzales Rose to keep healthy?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |