Outdoor plantings will largely depend on where you live and it's climatic conditions. Other factors will include: how much maintenance do you want to do - tall grasses require very little upkeep, but don't flower like an hydrangea shrub.

I would also determine the aesthetic you want - flowering, green bushes, or grasses. All can provide privacy. I would also look at a few of the idea books below, to see if they can give you inspiration for the look you want. Then I would visit your local gardening center and ask their opinion on getting the look you want for your area.

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/132104/list/Planting

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/85340/list/planting

I AM ON THE CAPE AND I LOVE CHERRY LAUREL. YOU CAN LET IT GO OR TRIM IT. GREEN YEAR 'ROUND AND LOVES OUR NANTUCKET SOUND WEATHER. ALSO, FOR LARGER SPACE, WE HAVE HAD GREAT LUCK WITH JAPANESE PINE. A LITTLE DIFFERENT FROM LEYLAND CYPRESS.