Oh sure, big dense laurel hedges have their place–but only if you live in English Manor. I don’t seem as interested in the total privacy I hear other people talk about. I’m more attracted to screening that allows light through, especially in the dark months, and the opportunity to see what’s going on out there. Always something, right?
This little grove in Concordia (PDX) Ranchville strikes me as just about perfect. And it’s done with one of my favorite trees, Acer circinatum, the Pacific Northwest Native Vine Maple. Although I’ll admit, it could be dynamite with multi-trunked magnolias too. Or Stewartias. Or…? (Please fill in the blank with your favorite multi-trunked tree.)
And a longer view. Terrific, no?
I love everything about Vine Maples, the undulating shape, the chartreuse spring foliage, and the explosion of fabulous fall color. Not to mention, they provide a good habitat and food source for birds, bees, and butterflies.
I guess I have a loose notion of what constitutes privacy. In our previous house, I packed a few trees into our 50X100 lot — 25+ as I recall. It was bird heaven. And since we were on a relatively busy street, the trees provided a nice buffer, while not the obscuring view.
Alas, all but the vine maples near the front of the house and the dogwood have been removed–to make way for lawn.
Okay, so what was I talking about? Oh right, screening versus privacy hedge. Of course, I’ve been blessed with super neighbors my whole dang life–even when I was a kid in our big Catholic Parish–so maybe that’s a thing.
And maybe it’s got something to do with the Irish Girl in me: No, this is not a private brawl. If you hear that cork pop, you’re most welcome.
Cheers