I see you have a gate -- does that mean you have a fence? Because if you do you might find quick-growing creepers to cover it and give you that lushness you want. In the meanwhile. plant lovely tall annuals for next summer. I don't know what would do well there -- hollyhocks? cleome? foxglove? Off to bed now, but I hope others chime in with good ideas.

Houzz has many good photos to illustrate a point, but it's not perfect either. When I am looking for particular things I often use a search engine such as Bing (or Yahoo, Google, etc.). When I'm looking for photos I also click on Images. In the paragraphs below I have added links (capital letters in green) to show representative photos.

If you want privacy using plants then a hedge is best. Korean barberry ( BERBERIS KOREANA ) is the most cold-tolerant of barberries, possibly as low as -45ºCelsius (-50ºF). It grows up to 1.5 meters tall and wide and does not need to be pruned. It gives interest all year long with fall foliage color and berries that persist into the winter. For a hedge set plants about 1 meter apart and 1.5 meters from any sidewalk or public access space. (In the U.S. local governments can add a sidewalk to any area near a street at any time, so you do not want to plant where public access could destroy your investment.) European cranberry bush (VIBURNUM OPULUS) has the same hardiness and seasons of interest as the barberry. The species grows up to 3 meters tall and 4.5 wide, but the variety Compactum is only 1.5 meters tall and wide.

Plants take time to fill in. Trees take a long time to fill in. The only quick fix is a fence, but fences are expensive and the supporting posts and rails are necessary for all. You may be able to stretch out the expense by only adding fence where it is needed most—along the streets.

The expense of wood can be reduced by leaving OPENINGS between boards. Willow, bamboo or reed ROLL FENCING is a short-term option. Panel fences can be made of wood, metal, plastic or a COMBINATION. CHAIN LINK is very durable and WIRE FENCING is usually less expensive. Privacy for these fences is obtained by planting vines along the fence. Vines tend to grow faster than shrubs and trees. I'd like to recommend evergreen vines for you, but I do not know if there are any that would stay green through the winter.

Whatever is on sale at the nursery!

You made me laugh, leslieap10, but you are correct. It's likely too late to plant if you live in the Ukraine which is on the same general latitude as the U.S.-Canada border. So, Oksana, for now you should talk to local plant nurseries about plants they recommend that you can plant NEXT spring.

I planted hops in my garden in the Moscow Oblast. I grew them from seed. They were slow to germinate and in the first year, but they they grew phenomenally. If you want fast growing stuff that will spread and don't want to spend money, find more gardeners. Stuff the grows fast and does well in your area will be plentifully available from fellow gardeners. Also, think about suckering plants. Lilacs often sucker (grow new shoots from the roots). Look around at people who have lilacs and if you see suckers, ask for one. Many bushes will spread, too.

You can also grow plants from cuttings and seeds. Now is a good time to harvest seeds.

Annuals will get you the most growth in the first year. Grow them from seeds.

Do you have written permission from your landlord for any changes?

Written permission. As in your rental agreement. Signed. Because your “favor” could be interpreted as vandalism and she could keep your deposit. In addition to sueing you.

If it is not in writing. Don’t do anything until it is in writing.