Question
Dear Mr. Gulliksen,

We live about 15 miles outside of Boston, MA. About 5 years ago we planted three rhododendrons against our house outside the back door. The area gets full sun all day long. Two of these rhododendrons are absolutley beautiful - 4 to 5 feet tall and wide with gorgeous purple blooms. the one closest to the door, however, has pretty much died. It had the unfortunage luck of trying to grow in front of our dryer vent.

Do you have any suggestions as to what to plant in this bed? The nursery suggested perennials. What about hydrangeas? Or will the dryer again be the end of the last one - killing the woody stems during the winter - on which, as I understand it, the blooms grow. It looks like we'll have to move the two healthy rhododendrons. I hate to do that since they are looking so good, but I don't think two rhododendrons and something else tacked on at the end of the bed will be pleasing to the eye.

Or do we simply build a plywood "screen", place it in front of the vent, and replace the one rhododendron?

We appreciate your suggestions to our dilemma.

Rachel

Answer
Rachel,
As I see it, anything that you plant there will be damaged by the dryer vent. The idea of a plywood screen or some other way to redirect the hot air exhaust is a good one.
I would recommend the plywood screen and replacing the rhody.
Good luck
Ed Gulliksen