Take out all the arborvitae and replant a mixed shrub/tree/conifer border in their place. Pro - I could get rid of the arborvitae and put in plants I like better. Cons - I still have the issue of what would look good next to the spruce, and it would be a while before we have the sense of "enclosure" back as the plants mature. I think that is your best idea because I do not like the arborvitae personally. Plant your favorite shrub/hedge in its place. To fill the gap next to the spruce the easiest and cheapest thing would probably be to just remove the spruce and replace it with two equally sized spruce or any other evergreen you like that would grow to your desired hight. Unless you can get a spruce or something that complements it that big or taller to fill the gap.

Here is an older Google map of the land. The shed, garden, and some trees were added since this shot, and the neighbor has a bunch of crap in his back yard now. Notice the old fence line. That is where my fence was originally. The previous owner next door had her irrigation system and sod installed incorrectly, so when my sod company showed up, they just went with the survey stake located by the other company. Wasn't the property marker, but some sort of neighborhood plat marker next to the curb. Oops. So... fast forward 10 years, new buyers have the land surveyed and guess what? I have to move 100' of fence and 6 sprinkler zones. I was not a happy camper at the time. I didn't have enough room or reason for a gate on that side anymore (used to have an 8' gate on that side), and didn't feel like tying into their fence. So I decided to move the fence further onto my property and join up to the next corner post. Red line is new fence, yellow line is property line, orange line is line-of-sight from deck to deck. I'm not interested in shoulda-coulda-woulda, adverse possession laws, suing survey and sprinkler companies, or fence relocation. A bit off topic, but that's the story. Now: what can I plant there that will give me some privacy along the orange line-of-sight and will be mostly well-behaved? I am fine filling the entire thing in with mulch or ground cover so I don't have to mow. Shrubs on the E side of my house are limelight hydrangea. Thanks :-) Dave Here is a link that might be useful: Google Map

Well Im not sure what "style" but this is kinda what I have had in mind as far as style (maybe but Id like your ideas)! The little ugly shack looks like a mini mansion on the inside (all the extras, hardwood floors, custom cabinets etc.) so Im looking for maybe something sophisticated, rich but with natural/neutral , bare minimal of plants (because of the snakes). The house will be painted a natural lovely rich greenish/tan to blend in with the landscape. I have a huge stack of taxes flat rook stones so I thought Id make a walkway with them? I found a very cute evergreen type small shrub (#2 picture) I just love it! So I wanted to use those on each side. I think I liked the big rocks (mirror image on each side of the walkway in the front). I wanted to use stone work for the rest of the foundation because the rocks are free & it really makes the place look nicer. Can anyone tell me if they make a a-symmetrical conifer tree that doesn't get to large (maybe 12 ft or smaller)? Iv been to a bunch of plant stores & Im having trouble finding interesting small trees. Iv got several large japans maples in pots but everyone uses them now so Im not sure if thats what I want. I really like the look of small pines more so then maples & I think the maples will look out of place? Id set some of them around in pots & see if I can find a spot for 1 or 2 of them. Also any cool looking unique small trees I could put in pots on either side of the front steps? It wouldn't have to live in a pot I could plant it next to the concrete. Im not looking for comen plants. Id like it to be interesting & rich looking (this poor shack needs a BID face lift so I need to spend some on the exterior). We live way out in the woods so low maintenance is a must & Im not big on flowers at all. The Clemet's in the front adds a little (I think but what do I know) it really looks nice when the yellow rose type tiny flowers bloom. There's also another vine in that mass of greenery. Its a white flowering fine, Im sorry but I dont know the names of either? The circle drive way is where Im standing in the 1st picture (Im taking the picture). So the walkway goes to it & then in picture #3 the patch leads up the hill to the chickens coop & the orchard. I visit both areas all day long as you can see from the dirt patch but Im hoping to make a pretty tx. flat rock path soon. Funny thing is the chickens have there 8x8 house completely done, insulated, painted inside & out with an arbor on the side of the house with a nice grape vine on it. Our house isnt done & the guest house looks like this! So if you want to see what color Ill be paining house & all the buildings, I can go out & take pictures of the hens house. LOL I really like the wide walkway in the picture & I like the idea of the bushes on the left hand side. Also I really like the idea of not having steps on the porch but its used allot but I need to enclose it soon to keep the snakes & the (too friendly) yard bantams off.

Kitasei, you are so right! I posted photos where I moved them, as not only do I need a casual flair (a little eclectic play), but I recognize how I can "have it all" by moving them to the more casual side of my property. One of my top priorities is connecting with people. My street is known to be one of the top most-walked, friendly streets in the city. Since I absolutely love connecting, I strike up conversations with those walking by and sometimes they linger. When I had benches (and once tried a patio table, chairs and umbrella), seldom would anyone join me. When I switched them out for my Adirondacks and a little table (above), they started to sit down and chat. There's something to be said for breaking the mold! In this case I have enough room to place them on the far side of my property (above). ...AND I DO like to be as true to architectural character as reasonable. I always want to know if something stands out...out of character! Thank you so much.