Seeing that bamboo photo reminded me - bamboos would be fine in that position, give some lovely movement in the wind and be airy enough not to cut out light to the house. Any of the Fargesias would be good. They're graceful, evergreen, about the right height and, very important, they clump rather than spread. And they're completely hardy and ok with north-facing. Just make sure you don't go for Sasa or Pseudosasa, and be wary of Phyllostachis, some of which spread.
If your son definitely wants something in the centre of the lawn I would go with Hosta's suggestion of laurel or holly which can be kept neatly clipped at the required height.
Looking at the situation there though, I think an evergreen hedge (perhaps laurel or prunus lusitanica) in front of the wall would be in keeping with the general feel of the road. It could be kept neatly trimmed at about 5 - 6'. Because it's a bit further away from the house it can be a bit lower than a central shrub and will cut out less light. The fact that it's wider than a single shrub will also increase the feeling of privacy.
Heaven is ... sitting in the garden with a G&T and a cat while watching the sun go down
The problem with a big, central, specimen shrub which (will also have width) is that it works both ways. They might not be able to see into the house, but you won't be able to see your boundary. It's also quite a small space for a big central shrub - the grass will be a big ring, and will become redundant.
I'd go for a hedge, if it was me.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
He has already planted a photinia hedge and was going to remove the grass, dig a central circle for a specimen bush and cover the rest in pebbles as its such a small area to lug the lawnmower round to. He has a very big lawn at the back of the house.
A good evergreen shrub would be a pittosporum, as they are not too dense. But I would go for a small ornamental tree like a flowering cherry or amelanchier.
'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
Remember that if THEY can't see in, HE won't be able to see out! I know what you mean - I tend to look in windows, too and I know I shouldn't, but it is only an idle glance, for a fraction of a second. I can't bear rooms overshadowed by close trees and shrubs, with no light and no view so he needs to decide which is worse - being overlooked or living in the dark!
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Seeing that bamboo photo reminded me - bamboos would be fine in that position, give some lovely movement in the wind and be airy enough not to cut out light to the house. Any of the Fargesias would be good. They're graceful, evergreen, about the right height and, very important, they clump rather than spread. And they're completely hardy and ok with north-facing. Just make sure you don't go for Sasa or Pseudosasa, and be wary of Phyllostachis, some of which spread.
Looking at the situation there though, I think an evergreen hedge (perhaps laurel or prunus lusitanica) in front of the wall would be in keeping with the general feel of the road. It could be kept neatly trimmed at about 5 - 6'. Because it's a bit further away from the house it can be a bit lower than a central shrub and will cut out less light. The fact that it's wider than a single shrub will also increase the feeling of privacy.
The problem with a big, central, specimen shrub which (will also have width) is that it works both ways. They might not be able to see into the house, but you won't be able to see your boundary. It's also quite a small space for a big central shrub - the grass will be a big ring, and will become redundant.
I'd go for a hedge, if it was me.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Oooh, a holly hedge
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Perfect solution!
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
He has already planted a photinia hedge and was going to remove the grass, dig a central circle for a specimen bush and cover the rest in pebbles as its such a small area to lug the lawnmower round to. He has a very big lawn at the back of the house.
Remember that if THEY can't see in, HE won't be able to see out! I know what you mean - I tend to look in windows, too and I know I shouldn't, but it is only an idle glance, for a fraction of a second. I can't bear rooms overshadowed by close trees and shrubs, with no light and no view so he needs to decide which is worse - being overlooked or living in the dark!
Sounds lovely Patsy - will look into this for my own garden.
I have passed on all these ideas to my son and will update when the chosen specimen is planted. Thanks again to all.