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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.

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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

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Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

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Tuesday - May 01, 2012

From: River Vale, NJ
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Privacy Screening, Shrubs
Title: Need suggestions for privacy hedge in Northern NJ.
Answered by: Jimmy Mills

QUESTION:

Hi, I'm looking for advice on what plant would make an excellent privacy hedge in Northern NJ (Bergen County). Ideally something low maintenance, about 5 feet tall, would act as a fence. Thanks so much!

ANSWER:

One of our most frequently asked questions has to do with privacy screens, so we should have enough information to help you out.

First, let me show you how to use our Native Plant Database  which contains 7,223 species of native plants. Let's use the combination search which will allow you to explore the database to find the plants suitable for your situation. Start by scrolling down to the Combination Search Box and make the following selections: select New Jersey under State, shrub under Habit, and perennial under Duration. Check sun under Light requirement, and 6-12' under height. Click the Submit Combination Search Button, and you will have a list of 30 plant species that fit those criteria. Clicking on the Scientific name of each plant will bring up its NPIN page that has a description of the plant’s characteristics, growth requirements and in most cases images. By varying the selections, you can get different lists of plants.

Next, I’m going to refer you to  some answers from  previous questions.
These may not fit your situation exactly, but they include some plants that might you might consider for your location.  All ofthe questions are from the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Virginia Beach, VA

Seymour, CT

Arlington, VA  

 

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Trees for privacy screen in California
May 31, 2013 - Hi Mr. Smartypants, We are first-time home-buyers of a cute little house and a relatively large lot in Pacific Grove, CA. Unfortunately the neighbors to the north have built a second story with a nic...
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Hiding a chicken house from Glen Rose TX
February 06, 2013 - To hide a chicken house, which do you recommend, crape myrtles or chinese photinias?
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Need suggestions for cold resistant, hardy hedge plant in Jonathan, NC.
June 28, 2011 - I'm looking for a Full sun, cold resistant, hardy, non-invasive plant to be used for a property line hedge for North Carolina. Preferably NOT slow growing. What can you suggest?
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Screening plant for pool in Cleburne, Texas
March 15, 2009 - I recently put in a very large pool. I need to plant something for fast growing, taller than an 6 ft fence for privacy. The property isn't so appealing behind my pool. When standing on my deck, I ...
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Dog Friendly Privacy Hedge for Long Island
April 14, 2013 - Can you please advise me of some plants for a privacy hedge that are non-toxic to dogs and that would thrive on Long Island, NY? I am looking for a hedge to grow to about 6-8 ft.
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