Hi Becky, Have you considered trees? I am no expert but I do know there are those with root systems that would be ok close to the house. Try searching on a Tree forum, assuming there is one?? Sorry I could not be more help.

Have you considered planting a few trees to help shade the house? I have three on the east side of my house to keep the sun off of the roof until about 11am. I wish I could plant some on the other side, but the fenceline is too close.

How much room do you have around the deck? How wide can the shrubs get?

I wouldn't worry at all about bees. Bees that are collecting nectar are single-minded and rarely take time to sting unless you grab them. Most shrubs don't bloom for more that a few weeks a year- so it's not a huge issue.

The classic hard-to-kill shrub is the wax-leaf privet. It gets flowers for a short period of time in the spring, but most people prune them so they never flower. One of mine is very old and is now a small tree about twelve feet tall. I have others that screen off the neighbors. They are deep green, drought tolerant, insect and disease resistant, and can take the heat. Another nice shrub is rhaphiolepis or Indian Hawthorne. They flower in different colors of pink or white. They get wide rather than tall, although you can buy them as small trees.

Renee

Thank you ... Just visited the tree forum to see if I could get any good ideas. I do still want to plant a few ornamental shrubs, probably non-flowering, between the deck and the driveway. Anyone have any ideas for hearty shrubs that will do well in my area? Thanks again ...

Hi Becki, you didn't tell us where you are located. I agree with others that you need some shade. Do you have a good local nursery that could introduce you to the tried and true plants in your area? I would say, look around your neighborhood and see what looks healthy and appeals to you. And, you need the Western Garden Book! There are chapters and pictures on plants for dry areas, natives, flowering shrubs, annuals, etc., etc. Once you start looking you will probably get excited about gardening. There is so much to choose from...good luck!

Where do you live? The conditions are different in different parts of 9a. Most of us use the Sunset zones to give people a better idea of our conditions. Valencia is different than Walnut or Pico Rivera.

How wide is the spot between your driveway and your deck? Do you want something two feet wide or twelve feet wide?

There are very few shrubs that never flower. All I can think of is arborvitae, based on the info you have given.

Renee