I can't imagine how a grove of trees could be an 'eyesore' for anyone. If zoning allows it, your neighbors will adapt. That said, I believe that bananas are a plant, rather than a tree. Once a banana stalk bears fruit, it dies, which is why you see always see the decaying fronds. Another thing to keep in mind is that the bananas will all ripen at the same time. In my neighborhood (St Petersburg) one might wake up with a 60 pound 'gift' of a stalk of bananas on the doorstep because so many have more bananas than they can possibly eat. It's kind of like the zucchini that can't be given away up north. I don't know about you, but I can't deal with 60 pounds of ripe bananas all at once. And that might be ONE stalk! of course, you can always gift those bananas back to the giver if you get up early enough. Read here and on the Florida forum, and you will discover soe good options to bananas. Here is a link that might be useful: banana link

Sorry to dissapoint, here ya go.. i found some of these in the woods 2 weeks ago:)

How tall is the fence, and what size plants would be ideal? Also- I'm guessing that the soil is somewhat acidic and the location is somewhat shady if you're growing camellias? A nice evergreen shrub that can be used as a hedge (and which is native to your area) is Evergreen Huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum). Not sure about deer resistance, but if you're fencing the yard anyway... I think it might be a good idea to stick to the Sasanquas as small trees idea, then underplant with small shrubs, perennials, etc. Not because you couldn't change course, and prune the camellias as a hedge, but I think they'll provide better coverage, and be happier and more attractive (and- obviously- need less pruning from you to keep them hedged). Perhaps you won't want to limb them up as high as you were planning to, though? I wonder if there are any non-invasive vines- perhaps a native clematis or honeysuckle?- that wouldn't be a pest, but provide some coverage. And there are some climbing and rambling roses that don't mind some shade, but will need at least part sun. There are a few roses native to your area, but they do tend to spread and they are deciduous and thorny. Pretty rose hips in the fall and winter, though... Banana Shrub is a nice evergreen that's well-behaved. Sometimes it's listed as Magnolia figo, sometimes as Michelia figo; not a native, but it does well here, and I'm told it does well in the PNW also. Good luck, Virginia

Personally i dont like large bushes like this BECAUSE someone can hide behind it, it looks like a large blob, etc. I prefer landscaping with interest and variety that doesnt block the view from the street nor the inside. if you want privacy, get curtains, etc.