Alternatives to fencing (but not a hedge!)

[Sheila]

I need something to screen off next door's garden. The fence between us belongs to her and is a very low picket fence. It's completely knackered but she's not likely to do anything about it anytime soon and I can't afford to offer to replace it for her. I thought I might grow something that would act as a natural screen - any ideas? Mustn't be as thick as a hedge because I have so little room. How about bamboo (too invasive?) or willow? Fence is South facing, soil is alkaline.

Really grateful for any ideas.

I have a similar problem, our fence is new but it's not high enough to give us privacy.

I just bought some willow screening from a company called "Primrose London" who were great. It came in about a week (it was out of stock so I had to wait for it). It's 2 metres tall but you can get it in 1 metre and 1.5 metres.

The company delivered to me (I'm in the north) and I think the total cost for two three metre lengths was about £75

Looks fab and I've hung fairy lights across the top