hedge

I am looking for ideas about what to plant for a small low hedge that does not take up a lot of space and is evergreen. I live in Portland, Oregon zone 8a. Thanks!

I found this site that might be useful. You didn't specify height, but there ought to be something here that will fit the bill.
Good luck,
Julia

Duh
http://www.naturehills.com/catalog/bushes_and_shrubs/hedges.aspx

Sun, shade or both?

Minature or shrub roses? You are in the city of roses. Dwarf rhododendrons might look nice. There are some nice junipers too. I am partial to small conifers, but, they can be expensive it you choose the ones that are rare.

Most folks plant the big growers and end up working to keep them short.

check out little richard abelia or any of them. Otto luyken laurels are great. For a smaller look try soft touch hollies or azaleas there are sseveral varieties that are evergreen.

oh I love azaleas - that might be the perfect thing!

as long as the sun requirements are right your good to go. Check out new cultivars they have less insect and disease problems. Go lonline and see what size and color you like. The best thing is if it doesn't work in that area there is always another spot in the yard. Play with it and have fun.

Hi Portland, just do a soil chack if you want to grow Azaleas as they do require a more acid soil, they wont really grow well otherwise, it would be a shame to spend money on plants that dont like your conditions, but if you can grow them, there are some really lovely ones and some with the most heavenly perfume too, remember they flower mainly in spring and some loose their leaves in winter or flower before the new foliage is visible, the best thing to do is what Kitten suggested and get some reading material, with pictures so you will have a good idea of what you can achieve using these wonderful shrubs, I can vouch for them but I have an acidic soil. good luck. WeeNel.

Portland's warm enough the evergreen azaleas would do fine if you want something that keeps its leaves year-round. And I think the Pacific Northwest has to be one of the best places in the country to grow azaleas and rhodies, the climate is perfect for them so you should have a lot of beauties to choose from!

How do I do a soil check? Can I buy a kit for that at the nursery? If the soil is not suitable can I amend it?

you can buy soil testing kits but the best way is to take a sample to your local ag extension office. They will test for ph, pottasium, phosphorus levels and other nutrients as well. They will also tell you how and what to ammend your soil with. Azaleas like a ph of 4.5-5.5 to get the best flowers. If the ph is higher than that they will tell you to sulfur usually sulfur covered urea. I find this at our co-op store. A good nursery should also carry elemental sulfur in a 5 pound bag that you can use to spread over the soil then turn it in. It will take several growing seasons to reduce the ph but it will happen.

I have a great nursery close by. Thank you for the help!