Are you intending to sacrifice the distant view (that extends into your neighbors' yards (beyond the fence) in order to create complete privacy? If the neighbors were rarely in those spaces, and you didn't sunbathe in the nude, it could be an asset to keep that view.

I don’t see any houses or beings - so not a privacy issue - nice pleasant view for us feom our patio - but hummingbird wild life friendly - without looking too shabby.

If you google 'wildlife habitat' or something similar you'll get some ideas.

What I've done on my farm and what wildlife love:

underplantings for hiding and safety

shade for hot sunny days

a water container, low sides

NATIVE PLANTS- provides berries, fruit, nectar to feed wildlife

More Native Plants

Wild life friendly fruit trees. Dwarf everbearing mulberry makes a good hedge that feed the birds and squirrels.

When I see that huge treeless expanse of grass I think of a meadow with mown pathways through it and an abundance of prairie plants providing nectar, foliage and seed for wild life. It would only need cutting once a year after the flowers have set their seed. You can still have a conventional lawn close to the house. There's lots of info on gardening for wildlife on the web. Here's one site https://www.nwf.org/Garden-for-Wildlife

Do you know which particular wildlife still live in your area?

It would help to know that then plan the habitat accordingly.

As an example, I've seen Bob White Quail come through my property so

I investigated the habitat that they like and tried to mimic it. Same for Wild

Turkeys.

White cottontail bunnies may live in your area and will come in and make a nest/home where they can find a safe, protected area.

It also helps to keep domestic dogs and cats out of the area.

more ideas...http://ufdc.ufl.edu/AA00000096/00001/1j

Wildlife isn't just the big impressive creatures. Ecosystems rely on a long chain of relationships so it's just as important to encourage the tiny invertebrates as the larger birds and mammals.

http://nwf.org/nativeplantfinder <---+1 for native plants, type in your zip code to see a list of plants native to your area.

I'd add some shrubs and small trees, and connect these with sweeps of perennials and grasses like a meadow, which floral suggested. I agree with preserving the view, so choose smaller shrubs and trees. I also like the effect of planting a few shrubs to frame an "island", and filling in between them. That whole fence line is opportunity to plant grass and perennials along. Im not an artist but I would start with my own sketch, like this, and fill in exact plants afterward.

here's a good site to start you on learning about Florida Native Plants and how

to attract native wildlife. It's different than just going out and buying whatever looks

great in bloom, it involves planting either food or cover plants that serve a purpose.

https://www.fnps.org/plants

I would read up on The Back Ten Feet project with Susan Scott. Plans for FL yards here:

https://thebacktenfeetwithsuescott.com/btf-plans-for-florida

I'd be hesitant to block that distant view, too - it's such a luxury to have something like that in most people's world. I'd try to find natives but I know they are hard to come by. Another non-native tree that really draws butterflies, bees and hummers is the bottle-brush.

Yes Rita- plan is to make it a butterfly and hummer friendly plants - not only does it promote the butterflies - the whole associated ecosyatem including several birds. Wild rabbits come in for seeds. My compost filled with earthworms.

Yes , I’m cognizant of the view and I don’t want to mess it up and that’s why I’m asking you fellow gardeners for your thoughts , I don’t want to have the wild life and my husband leave me lol

Im doing my home work - will read abobe suggestions.

TY so much folks for helping me out.

Yardvaak - ty that looks gorgeous. - I willl share that with my installer.

Actually Native Plant Nurseries are located all over Florida and once you start looking for them it's surprising they may even be in your backyard. Some of them

like the one in Groveland (Green Isle Gardens) does mail order plants.

Since you have such a long space between your house and the back fence, I'd suggest putting in at least one fast-growing shade tree somewhere where it won't hurt anything much if it falls during a storm. My first thought looking at that is "it needs shade trees." After all, hummers & birds need a place to nest. I like Yaardvark's idea, but I'd bring the shade trees more toward the front so humans and animals can benefit from them.

Research deer-resistant plants, because you're likely to have some out there. Also, include a water feature, maybe under one of the shade trees, so wildlife will have water during dry spells. Some animals won't drink from moving water, so keep that in mine, and shallow places with rocks for bees, butterflies & dragonflies.

@Sambac YW and minor change added.

@YW trying to figure out the change

dirty gardener- have mango tree close to the house one recently planted toward the other end. My nieghbor has a large Cassia ( not sure which one) but planning to put either a cassia Javanica or a fistula which ever is locally available.

Behind the queen crape is the cassia

Hope this gets bigger soon.

Ofcourse my problem is to balance both sides of the yard - it hurts to give up my fruit trees on the right side of yard.

Yes I have a small bird bath now filled with fresh water and a feeder of sunflower seeds for my blu j s and parakeets.

These guys persisted on building a nest over my accordion - tried them to go the garden but they won

Z

@yw too bad you are not in my area !!

The change does not read so well as a small thing in a small drawing. It is a more decorative fence ... more garden-like and less rural looking.

Oh ok