live fence for my yard

I have a condo with a side/front yard that I would like to close off. Since I can't use a fence (condo rules) I would like to use some shrubbery/bushes, etc... to add some privacy and safety for my family in the yard. I'm looking for something that should be about 4-6 ft tall (I am waterfront and do not want to block my views), very low maintenance, preferrably survive year round and may add some color to my yard. The perimeter is about 33 feet by 16 feet and the goal is that the landscaping is such that you can not walk in between, effectively a live fence. Any suggestions? I have absolutley no experience and no knowledge about this. Thanks!

Hi artsrt10, will need to know what zone or what area you live in as tropical plants would be useless in Toronto, and plants that need cool conditions wont grow in Florida, so can you give some more info, as it could save time and you money. WeeNel.

I live in New York (Staten Island). Thanks.

A good plant is barberry. It is thorny and an excellent traffic barrier and it also has a red leaf. Chek out 'Roseglow'. It can be pruned to maintain size.

http://www.sheridannurseries.com/GardenGuide07/GGuideSECTION.asp?SectionID=18

I'm sure there are similar varieties in NY.

I am not familiar with zones. I live in Staten Island, NY, what zone is that?

I would guess probably 6a, but you can check here and see what you think
http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html

Hi artist 10, use the sugestions above, also consider Holly, these form a dence hedge/screen and can be planted close together, also verigated ones and you can get the red berries in the winter if you ask for a couple of female plants to grow with the males, or you could grow Rugosa Roses,the Plena is a lovely dark red (double) flower and gets huge rose hips if left unpruned, these have thorns that will deter anyone, they give perfumed come in various colours of flowers and have nice rose hips in winter if you dont deadhead the last of the seasons flowers, Copper Beach is nice as it gives a nice red wine colour to the leaves, then there is also Escalonia this also has flowers and will grow really thick, these come in white, pink red flowers and are evergreen, there are many more, however it all depends on how much hedge cutting you will concider a lot of cutting, most of these will only need cut once each year to keep to the hight you require after they reach the finnal hight for your situation, but all will require to be cut no matter what choice you make. Those mentioned are the easiest to control and will give the seclusion, thickness and safty aspect you asked for, the Rose may be a bit too thorny for very young children but in the right situation, can be really atractive and perfumed. hope this helps to set you on the right tracks. good luck, WeeNel.

Roses. They are tougher than you think and so rewarding! Find out what kinds of roses your neighbors have. See which ones you like that grow well in your area.

Rugosa roses, as Weenel suggested are hardy and disease resistant. So are all of the "shrub roses". Hybrid teas, Floribundas and Grandifloras are suseptible to too many insects and fungi (fun guy or not so fun) Unless the tag specifically states that they are disease resistant, I'd avoid them for a hedge as there will not be enough air flow to avoid diseases.