Fence cover for backyard with pool

by Claudio
(Toronto, Ontario, Canada)

We have recently completed a backyard makeover with a pool. We need a privacy cover on one side where we have a 5 foot high chain link fence that would require cover for about 60 to 75 feet. We're interested in a vine/ivy (I'm not sure the difference) that will bloom beautiful flowers and is not too messy and require too much maintenance.

Doug says that there are several that fill this request (see lists). My personal favourite for this kind of thing is the Clematis. It will take the heat, grows quickly, will give your great flowers and is almost no-work. But I'd recommend something a little different than the normal clematis. I'd suggest you go looking for a Clematis tangutica (yellow flowering, very aggressive, dense foliage) or C paniculatta (sweet autumn clematis) that is fall blooming, fragrant, very aggressive and dense foliage.

These two plants are tough and don't require a yearly pruning of any kind. They grow out of any winter damage and every three to five years you can prune them to the ground and they'll regrow quickly.

Good luck