We have a hedge on three sides that I "affectionately" refer to as Hedgezilla that I would love to tear out because it is a BORING, man-made monoculture of a labor-intensive maintenance chore (podocarpus gracillior). While yes, it provides privacy, that's all it does. It appears to offer no wildlife benefits except as a haven for unsavory creatures from time to time. Although the space between the property line block wall and the pool is very narrow, I have recently begun planting a variety of drought-tolerant evergreen trees in front of the hedge with the intention of eventually tearing out the hedge behind them after they get bigger (we're not rich and can't buy big box trees). The goal is a more natural-looking environment (and hopefully, a reduced maintenance headache). I have several acacia stenophylla (shoestring acacia) which provide a lacy, open weeping effect, but like silver sheen, it's not dense--but the good news is, there's no litter from it. I'm mixing the acacias in with a couple of other uprights as contrast and repeating the mix so it doesn't get too jumbled. It's still a work in progress and why I don't want to put in a picture, but I'm pleased with the effect so far. But you might want to consider your style overall in picking what you want to do. While a tightly clipped hedge might lend itself to a contemporary feel, depending on the plant you pick, it can also look very traditional and formal which may not be the look you're after. You might want to look at the some garden books to see what kind of garden style appeals to you, before you commit. Just remember, a hedge will be, above all else, boring. And do yourself a favor, run from the ficus.

Russ- My thoughts on your latest questions... For what you are doing, a utility pot of at least 15 gallons would be good. They come in different dimensions (length vs. height combinations), but a standard one might be about 16-18" in diameter by about 16"+ high. Something this size will allow for the screening density you want, prevent having to re-pot frequently, and will be completely stable in the wind. It sounds like the boxes in that Bamboo World link you provided have a bottom with drainage holes, but the bottom is supported off the ground. If I were using those, I would simply place the pots inside the box, and skip the bamboo barrier as unnecessary since the rhizomes would be contained in the pots and any that escaped through drainage holes could be easily pruned. And if you plant clumping bamboo you would not really have to worry about rhizomes escaping, anyway. I would make a wooden X support to place under each pot so it is not sitting directly on the wood bottom as that will preserve the bottom longer, and you can make the X of a dimension that raises the top of the pot to whatever level you want in comparison to the planter. You're not likely to get much, if any, dirt falling out of the bottom of the container, and that can be hosed off the patio since you've got clearance. You will have some water on the patio, but that will be minimal once you learn how much to water them at a time (and I presume there is a slight slope to the patio to help drainage when it rains?).

Thanks for sharing, Beth! Really love the vibe of your place. btydrvn, I agree that those examples are tropical. The light here in Wellington is similar in that it’s really bright! I like the fun though. My whole house design is open and relaxed. High end appliances and fit out but nothing should feel precious or that you can’t sit down or be afraid to mark the walls. The other color I was debating is a gorgeous smoky slate blue but it’s more formal and a little severe.

@celerygirl Thank you for your suggestions and visual, it really helps. I am thinking of taking out the existing garden below the big window and using the planters- not sure what I'll fill them with yet, most likely grasses and flowers. We do open those windows at times so will have to put that under consideration too. I never thought of plants along the edge of the walkway- that's a nice look. We just removed an old ash tree that took up a lot of the front yard and shielded the window with some privacy- might be a good time to replace with the tree/shrub you placed in there. Thank you for your suggestions.