With that kind of a protected cove, you probably have a micro-climate of at least zone 6. I'd look into one of the many smaller lace-leafed japanese maples (acer palmatum dissectum). I'm sure there are a few that are small enough for that space.

tj

I would highly recommend some kind of clematis against the garage. Just remember to shade the bottom and roots of the plants.

A japanse maple would be very cool also. I have a Little Miss Kim Lilac that is a minature lilac. Have had it for 3 years and it has stayed very petite. I know Jung's had them in their bare root room last year.

If you are looking for more shrub ideas, there are a ton on new Weigela on the market this year. Depending on the color of your house they now have a minature of wine and roses. It is either called Fine Wine or Midnight Wine, not sure which.
Jen

Thanks for responding tj and Jen. Didnt think about the fact that its protected because I am not one of the adventursome ones who like to push the zone. I'll have to get out to some local nurseries and see what they have that is "mini-sized". pondy

Maybe a columnar Pink Spires crabapple?

How about a Rhamnus Frangula Fine Line shrub. I have one and just love it - very unique.

http://www.songsparrow.com/2007new/plantdetails.cfm?ID=605&type=Woody%20Plants&pagetype=plantdetails

Shipping is expensive, but well worth it I think.

tufameister- Rhamnus Frangula is in the buckthorn family and quite invasive.

tj

Here is a link that might be useful: UCONN Horticulture

Most buckthorns are extremely invasive but the Fine Line buckthorn produces few seeds which haven't been found to be viable.

It's a pretty plant and is becoming widely available.
http://www.springmeadownursery.com/fine_line.htm

I've had mine for about 5 years now and haven't had even one seedling produced. It really adds a nice texture to the garden with it's feather/fern-like leaves. Mine is about 5 feet high and 3 feet wide. They do well in sun or part shade.

tufameister, I guess I wont consider the Rhamnus frangula, after reading about it on UCONN. I do understand liking certain type of leaf forms. My space dimensions are very limited tho, and I need a small shrub, very narrow, or just some stately perennials. And I think I will go with perennials.
Thanks for the input. Pondy

Be sure to let us know what you planted! Might give the rest of us some ideas for a smaller space.

I, too, am looking for a tall, narrow shrub to plant as a privacy hedge between my patio and neighbors yard. I don't want something that's going to be too dense and would even prefer not to have a straight line of one plant but I don't know a thing about gardening and have no idea what to use. I thought I could do a row of crape myrtle, which thrives at the Jersey shore but am worried it will grow too wide...I really can't go wider than 4'. Any help or ideas would be very much appreciated!

bump

Boy, and I think I have problems. Cheri127 needs a privacy hedge less than 4 ft. Yowza! I would consider off-set and angled tall privacy fences. Grow lovely vines up them so that they look great from your side. (the patio)
///// This is what I mean, only more angled, of course.

How I wish I could solve my problem with structrual elements.

Good luck to you Cheri from Pondy