Incredible there is so much space allocated to vehicles in a densely built area...just awful planning. But totally understand why you'd want to mitigate this view. I think some topiary in large pots would help create a bit of a visual distraction and formality without being a relentless wall of dense greenery.
Hello @jarvv, not sure where you are in the country but Pittosporum tenuifolium might work because you can clip/trim it and it will get to a good height reasonably quickly.
If you did want to put them in pots (I don't think you need to) you could follow the advice frequently given by Bunny Guinness on Gardeners' Question Time, which is to take the bottom off the pots so that the plants can root into the ground beneath. Over time, this will help reduce the watering as the plants will derive some of their moisture from the ground rather than the soil in the pot.
Hi @jarrv I am looking to screen my front garden too and thinking of using Molina cearulea as its not too dense (so not as light-blocking). I have a couple in pots in my back garden - they grew from about 3 inches to over 5 feet between May and August this year. They’re now a nice golden colour - not quite as dense , but still there, and attractive.
Wow @delski-I must have just hit on optimum conditions! Mine are in the sunniest part of my garden, which still isn't really full sun.
The variant I have is Skyracer-don't know whether there is a difference in the varieties. I really didn't expect it to get to more than about a foot or so this year so was delighted.
Thank you all for the replies, been very busy this week so havent had the chance to reply
The large hatched area in the centre isn't for parking its supposed to be a communal area for access etc, the house deeds specifically state no parking is allowed and definitely no vans. Unfortunately my neighbour doesn't care about anyone else in the street and regularly blocks other peoples drives or the whole street. I have asked them nicely to park a bit more considerate but the response I got was "F*ck off or I'll stab you". I would happily move tomorrow but ive been trying to persuade my partner to do so for the last 9 months and its proving almost impossible, especially given we have only been here 18 months and its supposed to be one of the nicest areas in Leeds
I think given the potential issues of a hedge/bamboo and the roots spreading into next doors drive i may go for the option of strategically placed pots and maybe plant a couple of trees.
It's horrible when you have to deal with awful neighbours...hope it gets a bit better or at least seeing a bit of green out of your window at height will improve things.
the response I got was "F*ck off or I'll stab you".
What?!
You need to move out of there ASAP. Scumbags like that aren't worth trying to reason with and if you report them to police for threatening to kill you then they'll make your life even more hell. I'd be interested to know the area in Leeds if you wanted to PM me.
As a temporary measure I'd be putting up metal railings along that boundary and then a spiky plant on the inside to screen, maybe a pyracantha. Then they can bang their car door into it all they like.
Gardener in the USA here. Over the years we've found building or buying tall containers or pots and placing them on raised platforms work well for privacy. The beauty is you have a 3-4 foot high platform (big enough for one or two pots), an 18" to 24" tall pot/container, planted with a tall grass (we love Karl Foster's which will grow in one season fast to 3-4 feet), which can be moved around when needed.
I also think the local council would be very interested. Your neighbours could be using the area as an overflow parking area for a business elsewhere. I lived on an old pre war estate at one time and complained about someone doing much the same thing, the council soon stopped it. My sister has also had a similar problem and her council made the people move the vehicles. If you plant a hedge it will create more shade in your garden so making it more difficult for you to choose plants. Remember a hedge will grow in width as well as hieght, reducing your area. The council will not tell your neighbours who complained, they cannot afford to or people would never report anything. Good luck.
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If you did want to put them in pots (I don't think you need to) you could follow the advice frequently given by Bunny Guinness on Gardeners' Question Time, which is to take the bottom off the pots so that the plants can root into the ground beneath. Over time, this will help reduce the watering as the plants will derive some of their moisture from the ground rather than the soil in the pot.
The variant I have is Skyracer-don't know whether there is a difference in the varieties. I really didn't expect it to get to more than about a foot or so this year so was delighted.
The large hatched area in the centre isn't for parking its supposed to be a communal area for access etc, the house deeds specifically state no parking is allowed and definitely no vans.
Unfortunately my neighbour doesn't care about anyone else in the street and regularly blocks other peoples drives or the whole street. I have asked them nicely to park a bit more considerate but the response I got was "F*ck off or I'll stab you".
I would happily move tomorrow but ive been trying to persuade my partner to do so for the last 9 months and its proving almost impossible, especially given we have only been here 18 months and its supposed to be one of the nicest areas in Leeds
I think given the potential issues of a hedge/bamboo and the roots spreading into next doors drive i may go for the option of strategically placed pots and maybe plant a couple of trees.
Thanks @wibble and @rachelQrtJHBjb i will look into those suggestions
If you plant a hedge it will create more shade in your garden so making it more difficult for you to choose plants. Remember a hedge will grow in width as well as hieght, reducing your area.
The council will not tell your neighbours who complained, they cannot afford to or people would never report anything.
Good luck.