Hi all, I'm not sure if I'm asking for the impossible but.. we feel quite overlooked by our next door neighbours. We have a 5.5ish fence and little planting higher than that, neither do they. We have planted a series of hornbeams near the patio, some Portuguese laurels dotted around and some shorter plants and perennials.

I'm looking to get some instant / quick height by the fence but not in the form of a hedge as I have fairly small flower beds and perennials already there. So I'm looking for some tall shrubs / hedging planting that will look ok planted fairly sporadically. But also not massively expensive.

I'm wondering whether some sporadically planted extra laurels would work - maybe cherry this time… Maybe hawthorn… anything else that you'd recommend?

Many thanks in advance if you can help :)

Rachel

Probably out of character, but clumping bamboo could be a quick fix.

Try Thuja plicata.
They grow fast, tolerate all kinds of conditions, can be pruned to fit the space, and when too tall they are easily cut down or sheared as a hedge.
I partially girdle mine to slow down their growth once they reach the height I want.
Photo attached ...

Many thanks to you both for taking the time to reply! Two great ideas, will look into the bamboo. I've also not heard of Thuja plicata before (very much a novice!) and like what I see, thank you!