Anonymous
Post 06/05/2014 22:47     Subject: Quick growing non-invasive vines for shady garden fort?
How about passion flower: http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=pain6
Anonymous
Post 06/05/2014 22:41     Subject: Quick growing non-invasive vines for shady garden fort?
Anonymous wrote:Clematis and honeysuckle are pretty, but the bloom time is short and they can get leggy.
Climbing hydrangea might work for a shady spot.


Climbing hydrangea can take years to get climbing then it shoots to 30 ft or more.
Avoid Sweet Autumn Clematis -- invasive in this area.
Anonymous
Post 06/05/2014 22:23     Subject: Quick growing non-invasive vines for shady garden fort?
Clematis and honeysuckle are pretty, but the bloom time is short and they can get leggy.
Climbing hydrangea might work for a shady spot.
Anonymous
Post 06/05/2014 21:36     Subject: Quick growing non-invasive vines for shady garden fort?
OP here: Wow! Thanks so much for the advice and resources. Yes, the space is relatively shady because it's surrounded by a fence. In that spot bluebells are growing, so there's some light. Based on my research, I've narrowed the choices to Star Jasmine, Trumpet Honeysuckle and Clematis. There's some Virginia Creeper poking through the fence already, but I keep pulling it thinking it's a weed. Maybe I should just let it go. Another option is Wisteria, but I don't think we have enough sun for that. Thanks again!
Anonymous
Post 06/05/2014 19:00     Subject: Re:Quick growing non-invasive vines for shady garden fort?
There are lots of natives that are good "climbers"
http://www.gardeners.com/how-to/how-plants-climb/5373.html

Anonymous
Post 06/05/2014 18:59     Subject: Quick growing non-invasive vines for shady garden fort?
Anonymous wrote:Is the fort in shade or will it be shady one the vines grow?
Runner beans are a quick annual for a reasonably sunny spot.


I like the runner bean idea!

Also, see page 64 for ideas:
http://www.nps.gov/plants/pubs/chesapeake/pdf/chesapeakenatives.pdf

There is a children's garden at Agricultural History Farm park with a tunnel with vines, but I can't remember what the vine is. It's probably online.

(Good instinct--don't go with English Ivy!)
Anonymous
Post 06/05/2014 17:32     Subject: Quick growing non-invasive vines for shady garden fort?
Is the fort in shade or will it be shady one the vines grow?
Runner beans are a quick annual for a reasonably sunny spot.
Anonymous
Post 06/05/2014 16:26     Subject: Quick growing non-invasive vines for shady garden fort?
I just ordered this for DD's birthday: http://www.magiccabin.com/Magic-Cabin-Exclusives/GardenFortand153;-Backyard-Play-Space.htm. She asked for a play fort and loves to garden. It comes with seeds, but I don't know if these are the best kind of seeds for our region. The only quick growing shady vine I know is English Ivy and I don't want to introduce something so invasive. Any other suggestions?