Why not outline your sitting area and surround it with a trellis screen then you can grow up it what ever you like. Either in the ground or in large pots. Personally I do not like hedges as they are too much work and clearing up afterwords but that is just me.
Those photos do help @Latimer. If you decide on a hedge on the boundary, why not repeat the height and hedge that your neighbour has, for continuity? Incidentally, do you cut the side of that hedge facing your garden? When you move into a property with established hedging, it tends to be generally accepted that that’s what neighbours do, without any consultation or agreement.
If the neighbours weren't keen on a hedge, would a fence that could be planted on your side be an option? If you do go for a hedge, the Beech /Hornbeam suggestions are good. Just make sure you look after it during the first few years so you get a nice think hedge at the base too.
@Plantminded Sorry, I wasn't very clear when I posted the images but both those boundaries are between my neighbours on either side of me and THEIR neighbours. I have no defined boundaries between me and my neighbours on either side.
In answer to your question though, my neighbour maintains her side of that hedge. She has lived here for a long time, in fact our house was her mother's which is why the division between our houses is very undefined. I'm not sure why it wasn't fenced or hedged on the other side though.
@alfharris8 I think I need to decide first what I am keen on I actually am liking the idea of a section of trellis with a scented climber of some sort and then hedging or maybe just shrubs to define the boundary.
Edit: to add, defining the boundary is not my primary concern, a nice front garden is and the idea of a hedge was to give a backdrop to the planting in front.
Oh, I see, your garden really is open plan @Latimer! Yes, I'd want to screen off your seating area as it will be visible by both sets of neighbours, whether you do this with a fence, trellis or hedging is a personal choice. I'm not keen on fences and try to hide them with plants! A mixed border of shrubs, perennials and bulbs would give you more of a feeling of enclosure to enjoy your garden and plan other developments!
Posts
If you do go for a hedge, the Beech /Hornbeam suggestions are good. Just make sure you look after it during the first few years so you get a nice think hedge at the base too.
In answer to your question though, my neighbour maintains her side of that hedge. She has lived here for a long time, in fact our house was her mother's which is why the division between our houses is very undefined. I'm not sure why it wasn't fenced or hedged on the other side though.
@alfharris8 I think I need to decide first what I am keen on
Edit: to add, defining the boundary is not my primary concern, a nice front garden is and the idea of a hedge was to give a backdrop to the planting in front.