Thanks for your input, that helps. Now I know which ones would be a better choice.

Lists like the one above can be helpful, but see what your County Extension Service has to say. Dave in NoVa's list seems to be the same as the one put out by Cornell some years ago. The Cornell list was based on obsevations from British Columbia.Things change with time and the experience in BC may or may not translate well to NJ. In areas where there is active VLB infestation, resistant can change to moderately susceptible to susceptible pretty quickly.

Two that immediately come to mind are forsythia and flowering quince. Lilacs will soon make their presence known, though they grow a bit slower. Calycanthus is also a bit slower grower, and my oldest one is just getting dense enough to provide privacy during the winter.

Yeah, I've never had a problem with viburnum beetles here.

Take your time and do some research with reputable sources. If you don't have Michael Dirr's references Hardy Trees and Shrubs buy it or borrow it. It will repay you in better landscaping choices. Also, MOBOT and Chicago Botanical gardens have great websites with helpful lists and recommendations.

Consider ¨Four Season Interest¨ your goal, even if it isn't always possible. I say Four Season Interest, Minimal Pruning and Minimal Spraying.

If quick growing is your only criteria then forsythia and quince fit the bill. However, Both look good only in one season. In my experience both are pruning nightmares. Personally, I don't think either one complements landscapes due to their messy growth. If it is a very visible spot I think lilacs have the same challenge. They need regular renewal pruning to look good. Set your sights higher.

Is your spot such that you could do a mixed planting? Some lovely conifers with restrained growth, Serviceberry, resistant viburnums.

Magnolia stellata is a gorgeous large shrub, very dense, and early flowering. There are a number of cultivars. Syringa 'Palibin' is a little known and little used lilac that grows wide and dense, about 6 feet tall and with rather nice fall color as well. Both perfectly hardy in zone 6, so they'll work for you.

Oops, I put my suggestion of Hydrangea paniculata (with photos) on your thread about Viburnums.

Thanks so much, you all have given me great ideas.

Does anyone know of any good online nurseries? If I can't find any of these shrubs locally? Thanks.

When I planted a large mixed shrub border, I made did a fair amount of research on what I wanted and then visited a bunch of local nurseries. My area is quite rural with limited choices, and more than half of what I planted I bought locally, so in New Jersey (ideal environment for nurseries) you can probably find most everything you want if you are willing to make some phone calls and drive a bit. Rarefind Nursery does online and in person sales and has a good reputation.