Hi from Melrose Massachusetts

I just joined DG and am feeling a little intimidated but also excited by all there is here!

I've been gardening for quite a few years but have just been learning as I go--no formal training or anything. RIght now I'm struggling with an oriental bittersweet that had been taking over my garden--I've taken most of it out, which has made my neighbor unhappy since that exposed an ugly chain-link fence. I'd like to put something else in that would screen the fence but would not be as aggressive as the bittersweet. I'd love to hear from anyone who has successfully gotten rid of this vine or who has some ideas about other good screening vines.

Welcome robertaeve. I'm fairly new also. Still learning the ropes of the site, but it has been fun so far. Make sure you check out the Northeast forum. there are some very knowledgeable folks out there that also know how to have fun.

WHOA, bittersweet. I must tell you I have a vine growing along the railing of my front deck and didn't know what it was until I saw the berries this winter. AAAHHH!!!. Yep, it's bittersweet . I keep it contained ( yeah, like that is going to happen) for now, but I am constantly trimming it back. So it is going to come out at some point, cuz it is coming up in the yard now too. Maybe I'll replace it with trumpet vine. ( Just kidding)

Anyway I could use a good suggestion as well.
Again, welcome aboard and have fun. You will find it addicting ( in a good way)

Jan

Welcome both of you!

Do you want a vine or something that will use the fence for support? Vines are always a bit hard to keep in check. Something like rose, butterfly bush, or even shaped fruit tree might cover it up but not need anywhere near the effort. I agree that Northeast forum might be a good place to post that question or Beginner Gardening Questions, Trees, Shrubs and Conifers, or Vines and Climbers might also be good depending on what you're looking for.

Robertaeve,

Wecome to Dave's Garden. It can be intimidating here from the sheer number of forums there are to choose from. Just jump on in on any and all of them you are interested in and you'll be welcomed by those already there.

If you haven't already, ck out the forum Jan mentioned, (Northeast). Waves at Jan...welcome.

Also, zhinu had some good suggestions there with the forums mentioned.

I love vines but they can be hard to control in my zone. Maybe you could consider some flowering shrubs like bridal wreath or forsythia? They drape nicely and would hang all in the fence, convering it up in a short time.

Jackie

a belated welcome from upstate n.y.

Welcome Roberta,
I'm not sure if I saw you on the NEF, so I wanted to be sure to Hi.
You're going to love it here.
Donna