They are trying to hide the view of the white bungalow on the right? All I can see is its roof, and it looks neat and low, and no windows overlooking. I wouldn’t see that as a problem, but everyone is different.
I have had a laurel hedge and it was vast, its width could take over the garden if you aren’t careful.
I’d go for some pretty shrubs to draw the eye into the garden or small trees easily managed. Amelanchia is nice.
I just googled Amelanchia- it's so pretty, thank you for the suggestion
Cherry laurel is evergreen and quite fast growing and can be kept small with regular pruning. Maybe a pergola or other garden screens in strategic places could help too. Climbers can grow up garden structures for added density.
A pergola with a climber sounds like a great idea- hadn't even thought of placing something like that halfway along- thank you!
I agree with @a1154. Is it really necessary? Is the building only really viewed from where that photo was taken? I expect it seems quite dominant if there were trees etc before that, and it's now totally different. A simple hedge of something like beech would filter the view well, without needing to be huge, or just a few carefully placed shrubs, which would be easier to maintain. Trees or shrubs which grow quickly, don't stop at a convenient size either, so the right choices are important, so that there aren't more problems later on. Rowans or amelanchiers have lighter canopies and wouldn't be so oppressive in a small space. You wouldn't need more than a couple. The easiest method is to plant smaller specimens further into the space so that the perspective helps - a smaller tree nearer the house does the same job as a much bigger one nearer that fence. The siting of them is key though. If you decide to do that, use a couple of canes, or something higher, and place them in the grass -checking them from various angles, to get the right spot before planting the trees.
That's great advice about the canes and the rowans, thank you They like a bright garden so a lighter canopy sounds good and that makes perfect sense about perspective, siting and having a smaller tree near the house.
I've used a photo from the angle where the new house is least visible for the neighbour's privacy; unfortunately it's even more imposing- including a view of the neighbour's front door and all front windows- when viewed from the upper room closer to the fence, or from the garden patio.
I'm surprised he got planning permission to build so close to the boundary. I hope you objected ! WE had something similar in our old house and we put up trellising our side and planed a clematis montana and a rampant jasmin which hid the neighbours building nicely.
It was such a terrible situation- we objected, however it was only afterwards that I learned about even stricter legal conditions and sight lines when there is a slope involved. At that point even the local counsellor and MP were involved to talk about the practice of 'garden-grabbing', but the ombudsman said that once permission is given it can't be withdrawn.
Clematis and jasmine sounds perfect- the fragrance of the latter is so special, great idea, thank you!
Amelanchier are super small trees...pretty flowers and some have fab autumn colour.. We used to grow several different ones in our previous garden in Wales..see link below...pics in date order with newest at top.
I suggested laurel at the start because I thought you wanted a big evergreen, but actually I'm quite glad that you are thinking of other prettier suggestions.
Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
Amelanchier are super small trees...pretty flowers and some have fab autumn colour.. We used to grow several different ones in our previous garden in Wales..see link below...pics in date order with newest at top.
Wow...your photos are gorgeous! Beautiful flowers, and a lovely display in Autumn too- thank you so much for sharing, helps me understand how it might look 'in real life'.
I suggested laurel at the start because I thought you wanted a big evergreen, but actually I'm quite glad that you are thinking of other prettier suggestions.
I think we'll need to get one of each so I'm ever so grateful for your suggestion A laurel nearer the house/patio will be evergreen cover from the angle of the patio and my parents' upstairs room where they can currently see the front door & front windows. And being prune-able would mean the height can be managed so that they don't lose too much sun on the patio- so it sounds ideal. The amelanchier (and possibly a rowan too) would hopefully sit happily towards the middle or end of the garden...hurrah!
Looks OK to me as you are not overlooked. It looks very similar to my neighbours garage in my last house. Only problem would be if someone put in an attack room with a window overlooking your garden.
Posts
I've used a photo from the angle where the new house is least visible for the neighbour's privacy; unfortunately it's even more imposing- including a view of the neighbour's front door and all front windows- when viewed from the upper room closer to the fence, or from the garden patio.
Clematis and jasmine sounds perfect- the fragrance of the latter is so special, great idea, thank you!
Amelanchier are super small trees...pretty flowers and some have fab autumn colour..
We used to grow several different ones in our previous garden in Wales..see link below...pics in date order with newest at top.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/11713966@N02/albums/72157677854670723