How to create privacy screening hedge with potted plants?

[macd]

I want to create a privacy hedge to block out next door.  My issue is that it needs to be in pots as there are only solid surfaces(paving etc) in the area where the screen needs to go.

I am thinking the straight and narrow lily pilly would be good? ultimate height needs to be 3-4 metres

Could you advise what size pots I would need to use to create this screen along with how many plants per pot would I need.

Many thanks

[macd]

Morning Jacob,

Once again a big thank you for all your assistance yesterday.  Not everyone would be that helpful let me tell you. 

Moving on, it is now painfully obvious that our bamboo is suffering because we have too many clumps in the one trough as you pointed  out yesterday.

FYI the internal volume of those troughs is 176L - 1m L x 400w x 470 deep. If  they had just one clump in them would they suffice?

I am also proposing to start again with some new custom pots 600L x 580W x 600 deep - 208L volume ...what do you think. There would be 3 troughs in total on the outside of the hut along that wall. What do you think. I would also be using the bamboo you suggested.

cheers

mac

[JacobZ]

Hi @macd,

No worries. I am always happy to help.

It sounds like the existing pots would be sufficient if there were only one clump. The larger pots sound perfect though.

Just make sure you use quality soil, give them plenty of water and fertilise with a slow-release fertiliser 1-2 times a year.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[macd]

Thanks Jacob... now the big question can I order through you?

[JacobZ]

Hi @macd,

Unfortunately, no, I am not able to create orders in our customer ordering system.

You'll have to give your local store a call and have a chat with the Special Orders team; they'll be able to help.

Jacob

[macd]

Hi Jacob,

I am just about ready to start potting.  In one of my pots I would like the new shoots to come from the sides and the back mainly. Is this possible? and how would I achieve this?  Also I was advised to put a layer of sand on the bottom of the pot before the potting mix.  Is this something you would recommend?

cheers

mac

[JacobZ]

Hi @macd,

It's great to hear you’re getting ready to start potting your bamboo for a privacy screen. In terms of encouraging new shoots to come from the sides and back of the pot, it’s important to know that bamboo will naturally send up shoots wherever its rhizomes (underground stems) spread. You can guide growth to some extent by positioning the existing root ball closer to the side where you’d like less growth, leaving more room for rhizomes to spread in the direction you’d prefer. Over time, this can encourage more shoots to emerge on the sides and back, but it won’t be something you can control precisely. Regular pruning of unwanted shoots can also help shape the growth pattern.

As for the sand layer at the bottom of the pot, it’s generally not necessary and can sometimes interfere with drainage rather than improve it. If you’re concerned about drainage, instead of sand, I would use a thin layer of drainage gravel. The coarse nature of the gravel will create channels through which water can drain freely.

Let me know what you think and if you've got further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[macd]

Fabulous !!Thanks heaps!!

[macd]

Hi Jacob,  

Thought you might like to see the project.  i made the boxes from old hardwood decking boards , so doing my bit on the repurposing thing.

Here's hoping to a new hedge!

[JacobZ]

They look fantastic @macd!

Your bamboo privacy screen is going to look fantastic in them.

Thank you for sharing and good luck.

Jacob