I would start with a temporary screen. I've used window shade-like bamboo and willow roll-up screens which cover a large area cheaply and quickly.

Next, I would go with a vine which is suited to the exposure (sun, wind, moisture), is scaled to the location, and won't become a pest. Wisteria is too large for this site. Trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is a native vine which is semi-evergreen, won't take over, and is of the right scale. Don't confuse this with Trumpet VINE, another native vine which needs even more room and sun than Wisteria, or non-native honeysuckles (with fragrant flowers), which are invasive.

I would stay away from large woody plants, at least for the first few years, especially anything promoted as "provides quick cover." These are going to quickly become a problem in the typical brownstone backyard.

Posted by: Xris at August 31, 2007 1:22 PM in response to exposed back garden advice

It closed last week at $51K over asking. It was on the market for only a week.

Posted by: Xris at September 14, 2007 10:06 AM in response to House of the Day: 135 Westminster Road

There will be some community meetings later this year, the dates and details of which are yet to be worked out. As things develop, I'll have updates on my blog.

I'm also hoping that many/most of the trees can be kept. The tornado "assisted" by removing some of the trees. There are many possible uses for the site, in addition to growing vegetables.

Posted by: Xris at November 9, 2007 9:24 PM in response to Prospect Park South Community Garden Taking Shape

Cortelyou could still use some more bike racks, too.

Posted by: Xris at November 9, 2007 10:26 PM in response to Friday Blogwrap

I said they could use MORE bike racks. Not every block has them.

Posted by: Xris at November 11, 2007 1:05 PM in response to Friday Blogwrap

Wow. Back to the Million Trees initiative for a moment.

Only 600,000 of the 1,000,000 trees can be planted on public property such as parks and street trees. The other 400,000 will have to be planted on private property. So some of us will have to get over our dendrophobia and get planting.

Most street trees only live 7 to 12 years. Many of the million trees being planted now will be dead in ten years. Unless people care for them. With care, street trees can live for decades.

Posted by: Xris at November 11, 2007 1:30 PM in response to Should the City’s Million-Tree Plan Get Pruned?

Also check with community gardens in your area. OASIS has a garden locator at http://www.oasisnyc.net/gardens/cenycmapsearch.asp

Posted by: Xris at November 13, 2007 5:32 PM in response to Disposing of Soil

FSBO = Craig's List

When we were house-hunting three+ years ago, we looked at several FSBOs. We found all of them through Craig's List.

Posted by: Xris at November 13, 2007 5:42 PM in response to Roslyn Huebener Strikes Again

"How do they get 3040SF in a 19x35 building?"

Probably from a one or two-story extension off the back of the building.

19x35 = 665 square feet
x 4 floors (from photo) = 2,660 square feet

That's less than 400 square feet off the 3,40 published. This could easily be accommodated in a rear extension.

Posted by: Xris at November 13, 2007 5:49 PM in response to House of the Day: 6 Third Street

Poetry, Breanda.

Posted by: Xris at November 15, 2007 10:13 PM in response to Caton Avenue Condo Coming to Market