| I recently moved to a new development with no mature trees.Even though I have a small porch, the sun is brutal on the front of the house. I need shade.Any suggestions? |
| About the fastest way to provide shade is to grow vines. You can either install arbors or trellises for the vines to climb or you can string wires from the eaves to a 2X4' anchored into the ground. Plant the vines on the front side of the 2X4 and train them up the wires (tying them if necessary). Some vines to consider include Coral Vine (Antigonon leptopus) grows 30 feet; very vigorous; late summer blooming vine with vivid pink flowers. Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans) grows to 30 feet; Bright orange trumpet-shaped flowers in summer attract hummingbirds. Grows best in full sun; Tolerates heat and drought. Fiveleaf Akebia (Akebia quinata) Up to 30 feet Rapid-growing vine with small purple flowers. Light, fruity scent; Attractive foliage. Almost any site in sun or shade, wet or dry conditions. Cross Vine (Bignonia capreolata) Up to 50 feet Showy orange or reddish orange flowers in late spring. Flowers best in full sun. Tolerates any soil. Hope you get some shade soon! |
