Since you answered your own posting it didn't hang around at the top of the forum list and is moving down pretty quickly - and a lot of people don't look past the top ten, so you may not get much response. But also, others may share my confusion about what you've presented and what you're really asking for. I'm afraid your two pictures have left me baffled as to where the deck is relative to the view of the back of the house, what the topography is (are those piles of dirt or an actual slope?), what the back yard looks like from inside it, and where your property begins and ends. I can't get a sense of the space at all. Finally, I can hear that you're feeling frustrated, but not sure what your primary objective is for the yard - distance view, nice space to be in, something to look out the window at. All that is to say that people can't offer much help unless you can give us/them clear questions and parameters. But here are my general thoughts, for what its worth from a protected zone 8 to unprotected zone 5! Can you create a protected zone with fencing or a hedge (assuming you can find a hedge plant that would survive?) Are there planting techniques that can help with survival, say planting in spring not fall? Can you plant trees outside the zone of the house, say trees that grow to twenty feet, thirty feet away? Finally, while it may take some time to figure out what will grow, plan the layout and the hardscape first (those piles of dirt look like they need retaining to me, for instance). Something amorphous like a wildflower meadow isn't going to look like much other than "junky" or weedy without a frame and a context, which retaining walls would provide. They would also frame and tidy up the distance view of the house. Maybe a few more photos would help. Others may be able to help with plant selection and care, although you may also check in to specific plant forums - tree forum, conifer forum, regional forum for your area, etc - for that. KarinL

You guys are really helpful, thanks. While we're in our yard here, what do you recommend to create some privacy? I'm thinking of some climbers or something on the fenceline, but would rather avoid a hostile kudzoo-style takeover of our neighbors' properties. If I had my way I'd save up for an 8' privacy fence all the way around but, being new to homebuying, don't want to miff the neighbors with such a drastic addition. That said, the existing trees will probably fill out here soon and create a reasonable visual block. How about something in the fence? Arborvitae are a bit formal and expensive for such extensive application (dozens of trees around perimeter, etc.).

WOW!! These garden viewa are fantastic.. just wish you had included your row of veggie garden down the middle :).I would like to know the name of the purple ones in picture 7. in the front, theres 5 or 6 in a bunch there, They are so pretty., and I just love that row of HEARTS OF FIRE. THATS A BEAUTIFUL DAYLILY. and I love AARON BROWN too. very pretty, GRANTS PLAY looks huge for you and very beautiful, too. Some of my blooms was big, too and some was small.I think I need to fertilize mine. I love ,love love FLAMENCO CHRISTMAS.Its gorgeous, and love INSTANT CELEBRATION, TOO. Gorgeous pictures, Rita. jean

I know exactly how you feel! Our neighbours deck is built onto the lot line. It was here first and we bought this lot to build on and did know what we were in for. Even still I am annoyed by the closeness. But after almost two years I also just use the yard however we want. If they want to stand on the deck and stare down at us really they are the ones that seem odd not us enjoying the yard. We live in Vancouver so climate not far off yours. To date we have a six foot fence as well as trees slowly maturing. Our most recent purchase is an evergreen magnolia but it will take years to really obstruct the view of the neighbour. In the meantime we use angled patio umbrellas when out on our back patio. Works like a charm.