Giant hostas and large ferns are all I can come up with so far that will definately grow there - but they won't be 5" tall. Does it get ANY light? This matters, as I *may* have a workable solution... but it requires a bit of light lest the plant mold...

-Marie

I've also noticed that the 'wild' orange daylilies (the kind you see growing in ditches and roadsides in the country) can do amazingly well in shade and part shade- though their flowering is reduced. They would provide a nice coverage- don't buy them---if you can- get some from any of your neighbors as they are borderline invasive.

Another one is Monkshood- (though I've never grown it) it gets to a nice height and would do well in that type of situation.

You'll be amazed- anything you put there (even if it does not reach your required 5ft) will do wonders in detracting a person's attention away from the messiness. Good luck.

I read in the Sunday paper that a hosta called "sum of it all" is the largest and can grow that large without sun.

Ligularias, Ligularias, Ligularias. Come in all shapes and sizes.
Jan

Cimicifuga Racemosa. Beautiful prurple-bronze foliage and very fragrant spikes of white flowers in late summer. And I will second the Ligularia suggestion, too! I have "The Rocket", and they are fabulous!

Linda

Depending on how close that silver maple is, the ligularia may be disappointing in that location. They like a lot of water and wilt easily when they don't get it. Luckily they perk right up when you water them. The thirsty roots of the maple might compete with the ligularia. Baptisia, Aconitum, fern, hosta would likely do better.

How did I miss the part about the Silver Maple? First suggestion should have been cut down the Silver Maple! LOL
Even Hostas get strangled by the feeder roots of that tree. T'would agree, when planting under/near any tree, watering is essential.
Jan

Rodgersia pinnata is another possibility, but it prefers medium to wet soils as well. Placing a soaker hose in the area would help.

Yes, the watering question is crucial. I wouldn't myself, so I'd be considering building a small semi-enclosure to block the view of those items and plant a dry- and shade-tolerant groundcover.

Some people do this around air conditioners to hide them from detracting (in their opinion) from their landscaping.

What help you've all given me! I'm ready to go...but will keep watching the forum as well. Thanks to all of you.