We are located in Northwest Indiana, zone 5. Our neighbors have a chainlink fence along our side yard (facing north) which is in shade/partial shade. We NEED to have privacy. They are always having family and friends over and we can't even go outside without feeling like we are in a fishbowl. And there are other issues as well. The problem is that the area is long (about 65ft)and narrow (3 1/2ft) to our gate.

I'd like to use a living screen but privacy fencing is also an option. I have even tossed around the idea of using 2 6'x6' panels and then using shrubs or plants down to the lilac in the corner. I have seen wonderful ideas and beautiful plants/shrubs but they seem to be too large for the narrow area. Here are some pics:

Here is the nice view of our neighbor's yard. It's a rental and he obviously doesn't take care of it. (facing north)

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This is the area along the fence toward the back yard (facing east). The lilac is in the corner.

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This is the side gate to show the width of the area. (facing west)

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Any ideas? Low maintenence would be preferred. Thanks.