New borders need filling

[Charlieandlola]

We have just moved to a new build house with empty borders around the small square garden on 3 sides, house is on 4th side, fence opposite along long side of garden.
We are overlooked by other houses on the estate behind the fence and want to add some height to the existing fence - but not sure what to use ? I have seen trellis, planched trees
the garden is north facing and clay soil.
I like th idea of hydrangeas, peonies and roses but have no idea what plants to buy to fll the borders up apart from these.
Thanks

Oh how exciting! Lots to consider - the most boring being budget. Pleached trees are not cheap unfortunately!

We are in a newbuild but the garden can only be overlooked from one side (the end) so have a similar issue but not to the same extent. Also have clay soil.

Ruled out trellis extension to the fence (can look nice but can also look like just what it is - a height extension).
We were going for pleached trees but having seen some in a nearby garden we weren't keen (the frame can be a bit "in your face"). Also they are not cheap so a row of six would have been quite expensive and if any were damaged or died, replacement would not be cheap.

In the end we planted a mixed native hedge against the fence (plenty of Hornbeam, Beech, Hawthorne, Elder, Holly etc). Bare root plants 4-5ft high, after 12-months they are already at the level of the fence and over the next few years they will thicken up an we can square the hedge at about 8ft.
Several feet Infront of the hedge we planted some trees which immediately give privacy and will eventually provide shade as well (Red Robin, Hawthorn etc).

Having the trees well inside the boundary means they are much easier to maintain.

It's worth having a look at some screening, sometimes putting stuff up round the boundary isn't the only way. Having screening through the garden can work really well and is a bit more interesting. Depends on how much room you want for seating, trampolines, bbqs etc.

https://www.themiddlesizedgarden.co.uk/how-increase-garden-privacy/ is a good start.

All the things you mention will do well in clay. Water stuff in well if you are planting this time of year and give them a good bucket of water once a week - unless it's a very wet summer. And give them space to grow. You can fill the gaps with annuals - like sowing cosmos or poppies.

Planting a small tree (unless it's a very large garden) is a good way of creating some privacy - it doesn't have to be evergreen, something wafty like amelanchier would be good. Or a cornus - like cornus chinensis. It's good to add height with climbers and things like verbena bonaseiris.

A weeping pear would be lovely too - or an apple. There's lots of ideas for smaller trees.

Make sure the first thing u do is check how much sun each area gets. This will narrow down the plants u can use.

Paranoidandroidmarvin · Today 15:26
Make sure the first thing u do is check how much sun each area gets. This will narrow down the plants u can use.

This in spades! Check how far the sun gets down the garden, especially in winter (Much too long to wait at midsummer now, so ask a friendly neighbour) You will you know where you have most shade (Hydrangea will still do well) Semi shade in Summer for pants which like this, and any sunspots you could use as a patio/barbecue or relaxation area.