Welcome ideas for hiding utility box

I am creating a flowerbed along a building that is U shaped. In the center of the building outdoors is an ugly green utility box, about four feet long by three feet tall. This area is in deep shade. I am looking for ideas to cover this eyesore, possibly vines, or tall shade-tolerant plants, as our Pastor's daughter's wedding reception will take place in this area. The remainder of the length of this area will be hostas alternated with a variety of perennial ferns.

I found hydrangea petiolaris, the climbing variety, but it doesn't really take off for a couple of years. :(

Possibly place a simple lattice in front of the box with a couple full shade shrubs in front...allows access to the box without harming the plants. It would also allow for smaller, less expensive plants to be used.

The following shrubs do well in full shade.

SHRUBS
16.Aucuba japonica – Evergreen shrub, attractive foliage, with red berries. Will tolerate fairly deep
shade, even dry shade once established. Height 1m – 5 years.
17.Buxus sempervirens – Suitable for dry shade. Height 1m – 5 years.
18.Camellia – Evergreen spring flowering shrub. Prefers acid soil.
19.Cotoneaster – all varieties – some evergreen. Heights vary according to variety. White flowers in
spring, berries in winter.
20.Euonymus fortunei – Evergreen, attractive foliage, dry shade.
21.Fatsia japonica – Evergreen, attractive foliage, tolerates fairly deep shade.
22.Forsythia – Yellow Flowers in spring. Height 2m – 5 years.
23.Hydrangea macrophylla – needs adequate moisture at all times. Flowers from July onwards.
24. Hypericum – Yellow flowers. Provides excellent ground cover.
25.Ilex (holly) – Evergreen, best for green leaved varieties. Although variegated leaved varieties will
stand dappled shade.
26.Lonicera pileata – best grown as a hedge or specimen for Topiary.
27.Mahonia – all varieties – Evergreen shrub, tolerates dry, deep shade. Most attractive in winter.
28.Paeonia – Tree peony, flowers in a range of colours.
29.Prunus – Laurel – Evergreen shrub, dry shade, also capable of providing excellent shade. Height
up to 4.8m.
30.Pyracantha – all varieties, evergreen, creamy white flowers in April, followed by berries in winter
red, orange or yellow. These spiky plants are a good deterrent against burglars.
31Rubus tricolor – This ornamental bramble provides excellent ground cover & acts as a defensive
plant against invaders of the human kind.
32.Sarcoccoca – absolutely brilliant evergreen shrub with the most intense perfume from white
winter flowers. Dark green shiny leaves. Needs adequate moisture.
33.Skimmia japonica – Another beautiful evergreen winter flowering shrub followed by red berries.
Needs adequate moisture to start then will tolerate dry shade.

If this box is a power transformer I wouldn't plant vines on it as it need to be able to maintain it's cooling. I like the lattice Idea because who ever performs maintenance on it needs access.

HopeSue

The lattice idea will make a quick cover for the area that you are having a problem with. For the reception maybe you could place some type of hanging baskets that are flowering, as a temporary color. Then you could move the baskets to a better area in your yard after the reception.

Lansing Gardens has some baskets that are reasonably priced. They are not the largest, yet but would grow easy.

Christian's Greenhouse at the end of M52 on Grand River usually have good, colorful plants that might help also.

That way you could plant some shrubs that will take a while to grow and use the annuals for color for the reception

Thank you so much, Themoonhowl, for your wonderful suggestions! I am going to recommend the lattice idea to the parents. Thank you also, Gardenworm2, for the ideas of hanging plants and stores. I will take a look at those stores. Good point about blocking the utility box, Doug9345.

I have to mention these stunning succulent combinations planted in large shallow pots at Van Atta's in Haslett. They range from $12.99 up to $20 and are spectacular. The cost alone of the clay pots would cost that much and with the plants, would cost you around $40 to fill the space.

You are welcome HopeSue. If the lattice is to be a permanent installation, it would be wise to check with the utility company to make sure it is not encroaching on any underground wires, etc.

We used lattice as a backdrop to cover an unsightly view for a party...the installation was temporary, so to dress the lattice up, glass jars were spray painted white, wired to the lattice and the wire was covered with ribbon....the day of the event, water and fresh flowers were added. Since the event was running after dark, clear jars were added and a votive candle was placed in each clear jar....it made for a lovely display of flowers and candlelight.

Best luck to the new couple.

Moon

I like your sugestions. The bride is a bit of a naturalist. My hubby iis building a pergola out of reclaimed logs from a barn. She also likes the idea of using long, straight branches in a large pot, maybe one on each side.

I will sterilize my tools from now on to safeguard against HVX.

Birch branches are usually good used that way....they can also be sprayed with a clear poly/glitter that adds no color, just reflects light.