I think I’m fine with no layers. On the other side if my yard I’ve got about 23’ of length that is not enclosed in a planter and won’t have hedges, just 2 trees, where I’ve got some more flexibility. But assuming I proceed forward with the plan on the planter side and do 4’ between the hedge plantings, is this approach still feasible? I just want to have a bit more variation there than just the hedges. Other option is to just plant fewer hedges and sacrifice a bit of privacy. I’m in San Francisco where my house is attached to my neighbors and am exploring options to add some privacy...

Feasible for the hedge plants and a groundcover. Nothng else.

you could use pots on top of the soil ... for annuals ...

in such a small raised bed.. eventually there trees roots will take up all the soil ... so water competition would eventually become intense .. to water the annuals/perennials.. you would need to apply too much water that the trees might not appreciate..

sooo ... work above that ...

ken

Following along; we have similar planters and close neighbors in our rowhome.

Thanks. Groundcover will definitely give me the look I’m going for. I can plant the perennials and annuals on the other side where I don’t have the planter limitations.

Just voting ... To do the pleached hedge, I wouldn't use such large bushy plants. And I wouldn't have shrubs below, but just some kind of groundcover.