The reason I think multi stem trees would work particularly well is that the form of the stems look particularly attractive against a backdrop such as a wall, especially if they have attractive bark. They become a sculptural feature in their own right rather than merely functioning as screens. The canopy above will help screen the windows. I don't think dense evergreens would look quite as attractive, and we spend most of our time out in the garden during the summer months anyway.
Thank you for your advice. I must admit that I had only really considered evergreen trees so that we have screening all year round (we live in a bungalow and have 2 bedrooms and a kitchen overlooking the back garden), but I like the idea of the multi stem being attractive in its own right, almost like a sculpture. I can see from your reply to the person who enquired what the tree was that it's a Tibetan Cherry - beautiful. Thanks again.
If funds allow I would upgrade the shed, maybe along the lines of a modern style summer house with storage. If not refurbish what you already have - paint, new windows and roof. Specimen trees strategically placed for privacy rather than hedges, I think palms would be good. A curvy path from the top of the steps towards the shed dividing the garden in two. Path could be large pavers with thyme planted in between. I'd go full on tropical
I think it will have to be a refurbish job on the shed, maybe grey paint, as funds needed for the trees and plants! Thank you for the suggestion of palms - very fitting as we live in Devon! We certainly need a path from the steps to the shed, so could incorporate the tropical theme. Any other suggestions for plants? Thanks again.
Have a look at Fatsia Japonica as it would go well with palms and fit in with your tropical look. You could also have hostas and ferns in your shady area. Cornish palms used to be quite plentiful and cheap near St Austell but don't know how near that would be to you. You could grow quite tall bamboo in very large containers where you need privacy screening but they would need a lot of regular watering.
@Big Blue Sky. This is the type I had. It didn’t go anywhere, just clumped up a bit more and grew taller. It was in for 7 years, filled the space but I took it out as it really doesn’t suit a cottage garden. http://www.bamboogarden.com/Hardy%20clumping.htm
Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor.
Try a visit to Plants Galore near Newton Abbot... Lots of plants (especially Mediterranean) very well priced and some of the staff have a lot of knowledge!
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You could grow quite tall bamboo in very large containers where you need privacy screening but they would need a lot of regular watering.
http://www.bamboogarden.com/Hardy%20clumping.htm
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...