Portuguese Laurel?

[NoMoreWineForMeThen]

I'm a complete gardening novice but determined that I will try to make our garden a little less drab this year.

We currently have bare wooden fence panels and concrete fencing all around the perimeter of the garden. There used to be privet/hedge on one side but it has been killed off by weeds (vine like weed with trumpet like white flowers that is trying to take control of the lawn too?).

Anyway, my plan is to dig out a border, use weed killer to kill all the baddies as then plant a new hedge this autumn.

I've read that Portuguese Laurel is a good hedge plant and I like the look of it but I'm worried as I've read that its poisonous and we have young children. Should I avoid or is it ok to use?

Any other advice, hints or tips on hedging would be gratefully received.

Can't help with the laurel, but the weed you describe is called bindweed. It's very hard to get rid of. Thought that might help choose a weed killer.

Yes, it's very useful to know what it's called, thank you. We actually found that it had made its way into the house via an electricity socket. Freaked me out a little I have to admit!

Is the hedging because you want to cover the concrete and fencing? If so Portuguese laurel is a good choice - grows quickly and is really dense. We planted some in our last garden. I'm not sure a hedge would make your garden much less drab though..have you thought about a flower bed with climbers and shrubs at the back?

HatieBoomBoom I know it's not the most adventurous option but at least it will cover the grey concrete a little and I thought it would be an easy introduction to gardening?

Is Portugese laurel different to ordinary laurel? My neighbour has some and it's certainly a dense fast growing hedge plant, however it is enormous (tall and wide) and I can't get much to grow underneath it.

I'm not a massive fan of it tbh (can you tell? )