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Ideas to create a screen a shady spot?

AcuwellAcuwell Posts: 87
in Garden design
We have a 4ft wide gap between our shed and garage, (currently pretty unattractive!) with a short 4ft fence between us and our neighbours, which allows a direct view into our kitchen from their outdoor seating area.  The gap is tucked away between the garage/shed so doesn't get much sun, though is facing South.  Most climbers such as Clematis seem to be described as "compact" at 10m - which would be too big!  Is there an evergreen, climbing, shade liking climber I could use which isn't going to be rampant and will provide some interest/colour at some part of the year?  (apologies the picture is sideways on).

Posts

  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043

    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    There are some lovely clematis on this page. Not all will be suitable but some are, such as Hagley Hybrid. https://www.taylorsclematis.co.uk/Prune-Hard-Group-3-Larger-sized-flowers/
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    The smaller, earlier clematis will suit Look at alpinas and macropetalas. They need very little attention too, although you'll need to add a bit of trellis, or similar,  to the fence give you a bit more height, whichever clematis you choose. You often get a second flush of flowers too, in later summer/early autumn, though that depends on your location and climate.
    The 'Group 1, 2 or 3' just refers to the pruning regime  :)

    There are evergreen clems, but they're mostly winter flowering. The early ones have a good framework anyway, so even when the foliage isn't present, they create a good screen. Many of the  Group 2s would also suit, and just need a light trim to keep them in place, so, like the aforementioned alpinas, you have good coverage from early in the year right through the season, with a 2nd flush of flowers too.
    Group 3s get pruned back hard in late winter/early spring, so you'd have a bit of a bare space for quite a while if you chose one of those. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • AcuwellAcuwell Posts: 87
    Hi both, thank you for your Clematis suggestions!  Does anyone have any suggestions for other than Clematis please? Thanks.
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    Evergreen honeysuckle,you'll get a nice smell as well. There are some nice scented roses that don't mind a bit of shade
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    You'd just have to bear in mind that many climbers need a lot of water, and that site may be compromised due to the garage/shed etc. Not so bad if you live in a wetter area.
    Also, many climbers need pruning in late winter/early spring, so you'd be without any screening until nearer summer. That was the reason I suggested those clematis.  :)

    If you live in a milder area, you might get away with the star jasmine that everyone seems to be fond of nowadays.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    Is there a reason for not putting up a higher fence? A 2 metre one would probably be sufficiently high enough to shield you from the neighbours. If you're not allowed higher ones, then a small diamond framed trellis on top of the existing fence would be better than nothing, especially with a climbing plant on it.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    If you don't want to put in a higher fence or trellis, a freestanding shrub might do the job, although many would take a few years to get to the 6' mark. If it was mine I'd probably stick something unfussy and fast-growing like the common type of buddleia in there, hack it down to 2' or so every year in early spring and by summer it would be up above the fence and in flower for the sitting-out season.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    Star jasmine! I would paint the fence and shed a dark neutral colour so they are less eye catching.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Loxley said:
    Star jasmine!
    If they aren't in a colder area though  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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