Tear out / cut down the skinny tree by the porch - that is a very invasive tree of heaven - within 7 minutes of cutting it open, paint the open stump with herbicide so it soaks it up and doesn't come back again / even grind the stump if you have to. Use the block wall as a backdrop - plant more flowering evergreen shrubs along the block wall area that will get to the height of the wall at least . . you can coat it with white stucco first (color coat) right onto the block if you want a smooth backdrop. Camelias if you have shade . . ferns beneath . . .?

A pergola with vine work,it is easy you contral the vine.

Hello, catscaroline24.

I agree with libradesigneye. Start by removing the awkwardly-trimmed tree near the porch. Look for non-toxic plant products & have it dug up, roots and all, if possible. Next, install a fence that matches what you have on the other side of your yard. Set it just inside your property line, if possible, so that if your neighbor needs to access the side of their house they can do so without having to remove your fence to do so.

Depending upon what works best for your climate, I suggest planting a fruit tree to provide privacy but still allow light to reach your neighbor's windows, if you wish to be neighborly. Banana plants, palms, or bamboo may also work, depending upon your climate. Note: be very careful with some of these plants as they can easily take over a garden if not vigorously tended.

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If your space is limited, arborvitae (thuja occidentals) is another easy border that will grow tall enough to provide some privacy. Remember to check what works best in your area & if there are native plants that would work best.

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I would also suggest repainting your house in two colors so that there is more cohesion to the visual elements from your garden & so that it really pops with the tidy look you've created along your new fence. Cottages look great in many combinations but classic choices you might consider are white, grey, sage green, light blue, or yellow with white trim.

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