The information supplied here is confusing. Is this space 20' x 235' on a wedge shaped lot or is there a typo?

Will you want to see through the 6-8 foot fence/wall, or complete privacy from the neighbors? Imagine an indoor room, outdoors. You'll want 'windows'?

You might see if your local library has 'Hardscaping' by Keith Davitt, mine does. He does much work with fencing and vertical/horizonal trellis (not those diagonal plastic panels from the big box store) defining outdoor spaces.

Nell

oh, sorry, yes, a typo: 20'x35'. Thanks, I'll look for that book.

Complete privacy is what I want.

First off, you might want to say what you plan on using this area for. If you can post a picture, that would help out a lot. Right now I am thinking: heavily shaded, 6' tall fence, and a future pergola = dark and uninviting space.

- Brent

Brent,

Yes, I see what you're getting at, that's a good point. However, it's going to be a personal space: I just want complete privacy. I don't do a lot of entertaining: I'll really just use it for relaxing, and to create a completely private enclosure. I won't be doing anything wierd in there, BTW :) I just want seclusion.

I am going to consider your point for awhile... Hadn't really thought about that. I'll post a picture, as you suggest.

Thanks for your help.

BTW, I'm considering 10' long, 4X4 Cedar posts on 4' centers, buried 3, with a single gate and latticework in between the postss. That's just my initial thought: I think that it would be relatively cheap and easy. I'll use that concept as a starting point as a way to think about the space. I may stick with it, I may not.

I think how inviting or uninviting it looks will depend on how you enclose it. My neighborhood has close quarters and fences are extremely common. I've seen some fences that are really uninviting, and others that are lovely and architectural. I wouldn't skimp on the fence, that would be my most important investment. A fence that looks good in an open, sunny space wouldn't necessarily do in your area. Google Keith Davitt, he has a Web site with some pictures in a portfolio which may give you some ideas. A lot of his landscaping is done in urban areas where privacy is key. I'd start at the bookstore or library (depending on how up to date your library is) and start a picture file of looks I liked. Small gardening or small scale landscaping books are what you want.

Goldmound spirea, I just remembered it!

OK, forget that last incomprehensible post, it was an answer to another post/question. Sorry.