I'm not sure what good it would do for privacy, given that their is a public road in between. Some house plants on the windowsill inside the flat might do the job better. But in terms of a better view, I think continuing the type of planting that's already there would be best - deciduous trees with low evergreen shrubs/hedge beneath. As @Fairygirl says rowan would be nice - blossom in spring, berries in autumn.
Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
Glasgow isn't very much like the Med. Bay laurel wouldn't work. Common cherry laurel, or even Portuguese [lusitanica] but not Bay. I think your friend needs to have the conversation with the supermarket about the maintenance @DianaChudleigh. Some decent evergreen shrubs would fit the bill, but also some trees as suggested to keep it similar to what's there, if that matters. It will still take several years for them to have any height though.
As already said, there's still a public road and a pavement right outside the properties, so there's a limit to what privacy can be achieved. @JennyJ's suggestion of some indoor plants would be a good idea, if your friend doesn't want blinds or similar.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Thank you to everyone for the suggestions. My friend is arranging to meet the supermarket manager later this week, and will now be able to have a very well informed discussion with him.
What about holly or one of the evergreen cotoneasters? They are not conifers and are evergreen and hardy. As mentioned they may require an element of trimming to keep to the size the supermarket would like. Other options might include Pittosporum, Olearia traversii or Berberis darwinii.
I had thought of suggesting Holly @robairdmacraignil, but often, in these situations, they don't like anything 'jaggy'. Same goes for Pyracantha and Berberis. Rate of growth might be a problem too. Good for keeping ne'er do wells at bay though! Pittosporums can be a bit iffy in our climate- it would have to be the right one, and it'll be an exposed sort of site.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Ilex 'JC Van Tol' is less spiny than regular holly (just one or two weak spines at the tip). I can't think why supermarket managers would especially care about anything spiny though, except perhaps if it traps litter. Spiny = less likely to be trampled.
"What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour".
Maybe in case some plonker 'hurts' themselves on it @Loxley - then sues.... I'm guessing.
Could somebody actually sue a supermarket for a holly leaf injury and expect to be awarded something in Scotland?
I would have thought if it was a boundary then jumping into it would not be expected as fair use and I did mention that the options I suggested would need to be trimmed. It's not like I'm saying put blackthorn trees there or even the other one you mention pyracantha which do have more serious thorns.
I'm surprised you are saying pittosporum would find it difficult to grow there as I have not found the ones I have grown to have had any issues on the north facing side near the top of a hill where my garden is. The picture posted of the supermarket looks much more sheltered than my own garden. You are from Scotland though so thanks for the local knowledge on that.
I really don't know @robairdmacraignil. I just wouldn't put it past some people to have a go. Getting more like America every day Some pittosporums are hardier than others. I don't live in the city, I'm further out and on a hill, and some are no use here. It's why I'd never suggest something that I didn't think was bombproof. With winters becoming less severe, I expect many things will definitely be more reliable in future. Last two winters have been non existent here - very little lasting snow for instance. That does mean more rain though, which can be much worse. I'd always prefer snow
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Posts
Bay laurel wouldn't work. Common cherry laurel, or even Portuguese [lusitanica] but not Bay.
I think your friend needs to have the conversation with the supermarket about the maintenance @DianaChudleigh. Some decent evergreen shrubs would fit the bill, but also some trees as suggested to keep it similar to what's there, if that matters. It will still take several years for them to have any height though.
As already said, there's still a public road and a pavement right outside the properties, so there's a limit to what privacy can be achieved. @JennyJ's suggestion of some indoor plants would be a good idea, if your friend doesn't want blinds or similar.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Good for keeping ne'er do wells at bay though!
Pittosporums can be a bit iffy in our climate- it would have to be the right one, and it'll be an exposed sort of site.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I'm guessing.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Some pittosporums are hardier than others. I don't live in the city, I'm further out and on a hill, and some are no use here. It's why I'd never suggest something that I didn't think was bombproof.
With winters becoming less severe, I expect many things will definitely be more reliable in future. Last two winters have been non existent here - very little lasting snow for instance. That does mean more rain though, which can be much worse. I'd always prefer snow
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...