Question
I would like to create more privacy for my condo's patio by planting some bushes.  I've got an end unit that everyone walks by and they can see right into my dining room/kitchen.     The soil next to the patio is hard clay and does not drain well, so I am interested in planting in containers instead.  Is this a good idea?  What bushes would you recommend?  Are there bushes I could container plant that would grow 5-7 feet tall?  I'm in Portland, Oregon.

Answer
Very large containers. 24 inches by 24 inches. Put the containers in a line, touching each other, to form a barrier. Building the containers yourself, out of wood, will save money. Buy a lot of good potting soil. Costco has Mircle-Gro at around $10.70 a large bag. (They also have Arbor Vida plants for sale for a good price. Around $15. each)

Fill the containers up to the top. Make a "well" in the center, of the soil, then place the plant so that the top of the roots are just below the soil line. Gentley press the soil, to give the roots good contact, but don't press the air out completely. This will give you room for the water. Water, very heavily, until the soil is thoroughly wet.

For the best privacy, pick a thick, evergreen. The more you prune it, the thicker it will get.
Here is a list of evergreen shrubs that will grow well in your zone, and can be maintained to 5-7 feet tall.

Edward Goucher abelia
Japanese aucuba  (For shade)
Wintergreen barberry
Common Boxwood (Slow growing)
Appleblossom escallonia
Juniper (column)
Nandina (Good choice)
Chinese holly
Rhododendron (Some protection)
Browns yew
Thuja  Arborbitae (Good choice)
Photinia (Good choice)
There are many conifers that would work, as long as you continue to keep them pruned.

bakerplanter