Looks like you have palm trees in your picture so Italian cypress would do the trick. They can get very tall...

I have thought about Italian cypress but I think it will overtake the house. It's too tall of a tree for my small house. I was hoping to create some kind of lush garden with large trees in the center and tapers down on the edges. I just don't know what kind of plants would mix well together.

Actually, Italian Cypress will only grow as tall as you allow them. You just need to trim the tops regularly, I believe, but I could be wrong!

I would suggest going to a good local nursery (not a box store) and talking to them. Take note, or pictures of plantings that you have seen in your area. The nursery folks should be able to easily guide you towards a good selection of plant material that would work for you.

Thank you for your comments! I'm really digging the cypress idea now since I can cut trim it down. Here is a quick photoshopped file of what could be it! Thoughts?

I like it! Just be careful not to encroach on your neighbors side, some people are pretty picky about stuff like that (like my Mother, you don't live in California, do you?).

I do live in California. I have no doubt my neighbor would thrilled that we take care of this part of the landscaping for them.

Tam, I hope so. NorCal or SoCal, I'm afraid to ask? I do worry a bit about your neighbor backing his boat in/out of the driveway and running over something freshly planted.

Orange County. That's another thing to think about. No wonder their side of the house doesn't have any plants in one area. I'm just going to plant Japanese Boxwood that is big enough that if you ran into it, it'll only look slightly dented.

Tam, great idea. Whew!

When you say share the patch what do you mean? There has to be a property line somewhere. Things change, people move, you may sell. Find your lot line first.

There are many varieties of thin evergreens that can work as a living fence. However, talk with your neighbor, they may be open to the idea of a privacy fence to allow you both privacy. You can landcape your side with things you like and not be annoyed by the view of their home.

I'm assuming you each own only 4-5 ft so keep in mind some plants will grow wider and infringe on their space. In small areas, fencing is sometimes your best option to avoid problems. We have a neighbor who measures the line and will prune back and plants falling past it. Even a Italian Cypress can have a wide enough spread to infringe on their space or possibly prevent theirs from growing. You don't want any other issues to pop up and cause problems. Talk the to neighbor if possible and ask their thoughts. Good luck.

What you plant depends on where you live. If you live in CA I would suggest using Cleveland Sage, Dark Star Ceanothus or McMinn Manzanita as a screen. You can even use a combination of all three. www.earthfriendlylandscapes.blogspot.com

There is so many things that can be done. My suggestion would be a custom dark wood privacy screen. With river rock underneath it and low growing shrubs it if you like the greenery. Privacy screen is low maintenance, and looks good year round. River rock, saves time from pruning and cutting grass in between two homes. Than again, this is a personal preference.

Arborvitae or grasses all day long. Then you can add some large stones, colorful plants, and landscape lighting.

Grasses are a great idea as well. You get the movement effect along side of the stones for different textures and elements. I personally feel that a fixed element such as wood work other then a fence is important along side of greenery as well.

We offered our neighbor to pay for the landscaping so they let us take over the entire area. We ended up putting in Japanese boxwood, iceberg roses, and a pink floss silk tree.

Now I need some help on hardscape for my entrance....anyone you recommend in Orange County, CA?

Ahmed Hassan from yard crashers is in Sacramento. He my know somebody in your area who can help.

Thread is over 2 years old

we could put some kind hedges six ft high and on your side we could put some kind of flower and roses so u guy don't have just green

Probably the original poster found a solution in the intervening four years...

It may look nice to put some smaller hedges. Subtle, but it will divide the property. You can also put in some taller emerald green to hid the boat.

Maybe they moved....