Need to know where you are (location rather than zone), how large the planting area is and what sort of need for privacy? Height?

Thanks GardenGal. I'm in Southern Ca, fairly warm and dry. Rarely rains. I was thinking the birds but was concerned about whether there was enough room to ensure the pavers wouldn't be lifted or the fence.

I think the space is far too small for bird of paradise - even dwarf forms will get 2-3' wide. And they prefer full sun, which does not seem to be the case in this situation.

Since the planting area abuts a masonry wall, it is not clear what sort of privacy needs you have. How tall do these plants need to be and what sort of privacy do you envision? And what are the dimension of the planting area?

I admit, I've taken rather poor pictures. There are neighbors behind the wall and the sun had moved on when the picture was taken. Be back from work in a bit and I'll provide some better ones :) thank you!

The area is 30 inches from wall to pavers. Interestingly enough there is a queen or king palm in the corner that was planted when home was built, in 2000 and if has grown without issue.

Here are some other pictures to show the space...

The palms in the left pic are what is directly to the left of the area I'm describing. There is a similar palm in the far right corner.