Question
Hi!

I live in southwestern North Dakota, zone 4, it's much drier here than the eastern part of the state.  I'd like a tall plant screen for my front door area which faces west and gets very hot in summer.  There is no soil there, however, so I'd have to use containers.  There is one pole available for climbing but we could add a trellis or something similar.

Can you suggest something?

Answer
i'm in southern NJ(zone 7). you need to visit a local garden center/nursery to see what plants they sell & recommend for your area. many plants(junipers, arborvitae, dwarf alberta spruce, ornamental grasses, etc.) could be used as long as you take proper care of them. water by weight. pick up/or lean the pot after you water it. it should feel heavy. don't water again until it feels considerably lighter in weight(anywheres from once every 2-5 days during the hot months). the top of the soil should look light brown when the plants need water. do not let them wilt either. fertilize once a month during the growing season. you may want to store them on the east side of the house during the winter months to protect them. place them on the ground near the house on the east side. mulch them in w/root or shredded harwood mulch. you could use numerous perennials in pots to trellis by the pole.