Inexpensive fencing. Then plant vines, morning glory, beans etc.

Other posts here asking about privacy have good ideas.

Hope this helps.

Josephene - thanks for your input!! I'll be sure to look more into the other posts!

I especially like yardaarks suggestion for nycowboy.

In place of trellis you could use farm fencing. Plant a fast

Growing annual vine then add wisteria or grapes or Carolina

Jasmine which is an evergreen. The possibilities are endless.

You may know someone who would love to share their plants.

Get a wooden fence(cedar, redwood, etc) like the neighbor down the block has. You can move it in 2' from the property line so the neighbor can have room. I live in California where everybody has a fence or brick wall, it looks odd not to have a fence.

You could plant shrubs (that's what I would do). Layer them to form a dense wall of green. It looks sunny, you could plant almost anything. I don't know what zone you are in. Shrubs give privacy and help to block sound. Fences do not provide a sound barrier.

Jane

Thank you all SO much for your input! We'd already decided against any fencing and were hoping for a more "natural" solution. I'm loving the idea of shrubs... I live in Pittsburgh, PA (I think we're in zone 5). I'm picturing some landscaping all along her driveway wall. If anyone has suggestions on shrubs/plants for that, I'm all ears/eyes! :)

Just realize it will take a few years or more for the shrubs to grow enough to actually do the screening that you want, unless you buy some real fast growers which I think in the end you would regret doing. A fence with some shrubs would allow you instant privacy and then shrubs to soften noise.

Don't you all think having a fence two feet away from the edge of the property line would be/look a little odd? (That's how much space our borough is saying we should give out of courtesy.) Not to mention maintaining the grass in between her driveway and the fence would be a little bit of a hassle. I'm not even sure two feet would be enough for her son-in-law to get in there and make repairs if he needed to and I don't want to chunk off a lot of space in my yard. I'm too greedy to give it up! :P

That's where my thought process was, on top of the investment of $ and time. My husband could definitely install the fence himself, but he's let me know already he'd like to spend that time and money on other improvements. haha ;)

I don't think we'll ever get full privacy between the yards without a fence, so I'm trying to come up with a solution that adds at least a little privacy and separation, while leaving room for her driveway to receive repairs when necessary. When we plant, we'll likely avoid a large hedge or anything super dense like that. Things will have to be a bit more open. Maybe a mix of shrubs, some small trees and flowers? Or would that look silly?

I don't know what the laws are in PA but in CA the law states both property owners are responsible for maintaining a fence/wall, they must share the costs. Most HOA also have similar rules(CC&R), conversely some CC&R's restrict fences. If you are a member of a HOA then check the rules first.

You might visit Arbor Day Foundation for landscaping ideas.

BTW: why does the neighbors driveway go to the property line and why is it elevated?

Think about this, if two feet of space isn't enough for driveway repair, why is her driveway not two feet inside her property? If you put in plants, they could be trampled during the frequent maintenance to the driveway as well. It just doesn't seem very equitable to me.

Shrubs, trees, wood fences to not block noise. Sound travels right through them. A concrete block wall is effective, which is why they are used along freeways. A block wall would be expensive, and I don't think you have room for layered shrubs to function as a privacy barrier. If it were me, I'd put up a fence smack against the driveway and grow vines on it. This is not a professional landscape solution, obviously.

Well, I have an idea that I've been mulling over ---- and wonder why it wouldn't work (I'm guessing it doesn't work as I've never seen it done) ---- install flag poles at the corners of the outdoor entertaining area - and stringing curtain wall. Of course, the curtains will need several piercings (good looking holes) to allow air to move through easily and not become sails. They could in place only when needed. And folks have to love flag poles. don't they?

Thank you all again for your thoughts!! I would LOVE to smack a fence right against that sucker. (I've talked about it, I've even dreamt about it... hahaha) The short version of a long story is her daughter and son-in-law used to own this house. The SIL still goes to her (the neighbor's) house frequently to do repairs, help her, etc. etc. Being that they used to live right next to each other, I'm assuming he was like "oh yea, build whatever the heck you want, whatever's convenient for you!" whether or not it violated rules/code/etc.

The sad part... I like my neighbors and don't want to rock any boats. She's quite old and I'd rather not make a big stink about it, ya know?

My husband is getting a kick out of the convo here, as you've all got very valid points! We just bought this house about two years ago and aside from the yard privacy we love it, so if we can't figure something out I'm not going to let it ruin anything. ;)

Maybe I should just plant a wall of trees and stuff at the back end of the yard where the pit would go, encasing the fire pit and create my own forest?! :D

Meanom, I can visualize that. That's a really interesting idea and definitely something to consider. If done right, I bet it could be pretty cool looking.

Yardvaark, that is a really cool idea!! I would've never thought of something like that myself. Wouldn't have even thought to google it!

It is a good problem solver. Has been for me. Flexible, too. Posts can be arranged in curves or straight lines.

Really like Yardvaark ideas.

Yardvaark, you need to write a book on landscaping.

You have such sensible costworthy ideas.

Hey Josephene, thanks for saying. Trust me ... it's on my mind! But so are many other things! When it happens I will give you autographed copy. (Don't hold your breath. You see how long it's taking me to straighten out the "How to Photograph" thread!)

Hey all!
My husband randomly came across this while Googling plans to build a little outdoor bar and it struck our fancy. Was thinking of building two or three of these to put along the neighbors driveway wall... Should they need to do maintenance, we could just slide these away from the wall AND my plants/flowers wouldn't get trampled.

It doesn't offer total privacy, but I feel like it would give us the feeling of some separation. What do you all think? Could it work or am I crazy? :)

I think that this is an attractive option. Is your hubby handy with carpentry? A bench between a couple of these might be nice near the fire pit.

Maybe the driveway maintenance is done or at least the previous owners will realize that they are infringing on your meager 'personal' space and curtail their activities. I think it's admirable that you don't want to rock the boat.

Thanks, Pkponder!! Love the idea put a couple by the fire pit. If certain bad habits of the previous owners continue, we, sadly, may have to rock the boat a bit. Noticed they've been dumping the neighbor's grass clippings and old tree branches back behind our yard in the little ditch area. Hubby is NOT happy. Why can't people just be respectful?! ugh... -eye roll- lol

Ahhh, a ditch disposal issue. (Some wordsmith person will put together something a bit better than a 'ditching detritus in a ditch' problem.) Well, GardenWeb can help with that, too. I re-looked at the photos, and it seems their backyard has shrubbery at the end, so of course they can't reach their ditch from their yard. And, of course that ditch is just trash land.

I'm not very good at launching difficult conversations, so no help from me is worth it. But, there is an art to working with more natural looking landscapes --- so if your mindset becomes thinking that mini-forest area is actually landscaped, then maybe that will help. Also, you can offer to let them know their share on the cost of the landscaping service needed to clear out the excess brush.

If only I could snap my fingers and get my back yard to look like this:
[So jealous!![(https://www.houzz.com/photos/kentfield-contemporary-garden-contemporary-patio-san-francisco-phvw-vp~1659323)

;)

our clients had the same issue. Our solution? Sunken fire pit. Check out the before and after here: https://www.techo-bloc.com/bare-land-to-modern-patio/

Just saw this ---- the boxes with bamboo caught my eye --- and there are some that tolerate cold: http://www.thegardenglove.com/need-privacy-diy-garden-privacy-ideas/

Meanom, I was JUST looking at bamboo online. Thank you for sending this. That idea is gorg!

If you like the idea of creating your "own little forest" and that photo you posted a link to, you could do it. Start with a mix of trees and shrubs with some tall ornamental grasses. The grasses will provide the screening you're looking for until the shrubs and small trees reach a size where they can take over. You can always add groundcover, perennials, and/or bulbs if you wish.

Google old fashioned shrubs and select "Great Grandmother shrubs for your garden" for ideas. They are all hardy, easy to grow, and very pretty. I have forsythia, mock orange, and rose of sharon in my yard. I am in zone 7 and can't grow lilacs, but they would be great for you. If you ask around, you might find someone who has starts. All reseed freely, but are easy to keep in control (just mow the grass). You can also control the size by cutting the oldest canes to the ground. I would put them about a foot or two from the drive. Start where you need them the most and keep adding.

Not to digress, Sherry, but why ever can't you grow lilacs? We're solidly in zone 7 (coastal NJ) and they thrive here.

agardenstateof_mind & Sherry_7bAL, I really would love it if I could create that natural, forest-y look! I think my biggest thing is the layout. Not sure where to begin. We have the fire pit in now in that back area toward the trees and we're adding a little round patio type thing with paver stones around it for the chairs to sit on (pic attached... still unfinished/messy looking, but it's getting there!). I'm open to suggestions on how to start laying it all out!

It's beginning to look more cozy already :-) I don't know your environmental conditions - temperatures, soil type, moisture, sun/shade levels, etc. and it's important to select plants appropriate for those conditions.

I would mimic a forest edge. Think in layers: you already have some tall evergreens, add some trees of various sizes, particularly some smaller, understory trees, then shrubs and some perennials and ground covers. Use those layers to transition, or blend, from the tall trees to the ground level and embrace that seating area. Aside from being attractive and comfortable for humans, this type of planting is very attractive to birds as well, adding still more interest to your yard.

A high percentage of native plants would be good for a natural look as well as their suitability to the environmental conditions, low maintenance needs and qualities that support local wildlife. Speaking of wildlife - Do you have deer? If so, you'll want to consider deer-resistant plants.

If it were in my mid-Atlantic region, I would consider:

Trees: River birch (gets quite tall, grows fairly quickly, interesting exfoliating bark), redbud (early spring flowers, good fall foliage color), flowering dogwood (flowers in spring), witch hazel (native species h. virginiana flowers yellow Oct-Dec, Asian varieties bloom Feb-Apr in colors from pale yellow through orange to red, many have good fall foliage color)

Shrubs: Oakleaf hydrangea (there are dwarf as well as the larger varieties), fothergilla (spring bottle-brush type flowers, good fall foliage color), winterberry holly (needs male & female plants for berries, and good sun for plentiful berries, which are bright red and persist through winter ... until the birds get them), spicebush, calycanthus (sweetshrub), any of the native viburnums, elderberry (yes, the berries are edible), deciduous azalea, leucothoe (broad-leaved evergreen)

Perennials: fern-leaf bleeding heart, pulmonaria, wild ginger (spreading groundcover), threadleaf coreopsis, ferns, black cohosh, crested iris, tiarella, heuchera (coral bells, available in many different foliage colors). Not native: variegated Solomon's seal lights up the shade, as do variegated or chartreuse hostas, epimedim is great for dry shade, with tiny flowers in spring that hover over the near-evergreen leaves, hellebores for their late winter/early spring flowers).

I'd have to put in some early spring-flowering bulbs if there is enough sunlight to sustain them: snowdrops (here they're up as early as December some years, but usually Jan-Feb), daffodils, species tulips, fritillaria (not the big Imperial, but the graceful little fritillaria meleagris).

There are so many plants to choose from; I'm sure I've left out many, many worthy ones! The key is finding the right ones for your area and your taste. If you have a public garden in your area, especially if they have a woodland garden, go get inspired.

P.S. - white flowers and the white of variegated foliage will glow in the moonlight/firelight. There's a whole forum on Moon Gardens if you want to check that out.

A garden state of mind- I don't know exactly why lilacs don't grow very long here, I think that it is the humidity and heat in late July and August. Everyone usually grows crepe myrtles which look close, but don't have the scent.

Nikko O- I would just start adding shrubs, bulbs, ect. in a small area and then expand out. If you try to think ahead too much, I find I don't get anything done. Gardening is an evolving process.

Ah, I see you're in Alabama; didn't catch that before. You must be at the southern edge of their range. In November we visited our daughter and son-in-law who had moved to Alabama in July, just south of Birmingham and I think I've seen enough crepe myrtle now to last the rest of my life.

Nikko-O - Sherry is right about not trying to do it all at once. It's good to have an overall scheme in mind, and add according to that general scheme, knowing that you may have to make adjustments along the way. There are a couple of books you might look for in your local library: Native Plants of the Northeast by Donald Leopold (assuming you are in the northeast), The Layered Garden by David Culp, and The Living Landscape by Doug Tallamy and Rick Darke. Any of these, or even some photos from them that might show up in an online review, might prove very inspirational for you.

One of the things I love about gardening is the opportunity to be creative and resourceful. Enjoy the process!

You have all been so so incredibly helpful... Wow!!! Thank you for all of these tips. I will definitely look into the books and will start looking around the parks/gardens in our area. (PS - I'm in Pittsburgh, PA... one second it's 90 degrees, the next it's 20! hahaha)

Hey everyone, sorry to keep being a pest! I was out in the yard last night trying to figure out how I should make things happen. I got a little inspired and started fiddling with this free garden layout website I found. See pic attached... What do you all think of framing the fire pit area with trees/shrubs/bushes? It still won't be super private, but I feel like it'll give us some separation and a woodsy-looking space around the pit. I attached a pic... I'm not exactly great at this ;), but yea, this is what I came up with. Any thoughts? Or am I just crazy and this will actually look terrible in person? LOL

I laid it all out as accurately as I could based on what my yard looks like right now, with the addition of the pit-area plants.

Well, I had thought of suggesting creating a cozy room (so I do like the approach you're taking -- but then I don't really know to suggest an approach). But it does look like a great start. I've been looking at options (must do something with my very urban back yard) via Pinterest --- saving the things that really catch my fancy. Have you tried that?

That looks like a good start as an overall plan. You might be surprised at how much sense of privacy just a few well-placed plants will provide - you don't need a solid wall to provide a sense of enclosure. Build out from existing plantings, starting with the larger pieces, and referring to the inspiration you posted on May 14, as well as other sources of inspiration (public gardens, photos in books, etc.). Choose plants that will be well suited for the site for ease of maintenance and long-term success.

From the drawing, it looks like you have an elevated deck. That will add yet another perspective from which to enjoy the design you are creating.

You could use a row of pergola's along the side to give definition to the border between your homes. It would be similar to a fence line, but the bottom would be open for weed whacking the area underneath and in that 2-foot space. It would also provide you a place to plant vine plants, particularly those that flower, like wisteria, which would be beautiful. Or, you could use a lattice screening to surround your outdoor entertaining space.

Christi, on behalf of Thos. Baker

You could also create a cohesive look by using a pergola to define your outdoor entertainment area to match the pergola semi-fence.

Another idea would be to use garden screens to create a boundary/border between the two houses. These would also give you flexibility for mowing or weeding that space between and adding vine plants for more privacy.

http://www.thosbaker.com/group/outdoor-structures

Christi, on behalf of Thos. Baker

WhAt about the tall hardy hibiscus plants? Their blooms are huge! They're late bloomers (like July-September) and they're foliage would provide privacy without being incredibly dense. They're fairly low maintenance, the like full sun and water. Some people plant peonies for spring blooms with the hibiscus behind so when peonies are done, hibiscus is up.