Gardening experts? Border advice pls?

[Theextraordinaryisintheordinary]

Hello. Just digging out a border in preparation to plant a row of trees/shrubs (whatever you advise) in a few weeks to provide screening of some sort. I’d like something lush and dense but something that’s hardy. It’s a shady area. I’d also love to attract wildlife. I like wild and colourful rather than laurel type affair. Bit of an amateur in the garden.

Love lilac trees.

Any advice would be appreciated so much.

Thank you 🙏

Magnolia, viburnum tinus, variegated euonymus, and how about a Japanese maple? Some of those have fantastic autumn colour. Try and choose things that peak at different times of year.

Thank you so so much. Really appreciate your help!

Novice here (well, I'm a learner) and I also love colour and wildlife (and privacy).

I've been growing everything I can that sets itself on fire in autumn 🍂 🍁 I've spent the last few years growing rowans from seed. They're actually quick to grow, and have now planted them exactly like you, dug up my driveway paving and popped them in. Hopefully a berry fest. Scottish wildlife trust have a list of recommended hedging for wildlife and rowans were on it. Might not give great winter cover though. The other thing I'm trying (failing) to grow is beech that keep their crusty bronze leaves through winter and birds love to live in them. Commonly used as hedge.

Japanese maple (Acers I think) are so ruddy beautiful but can be prone to leaf scorch from wind, and some grow verrry slowly. Also they're pricey if already tall. I've bought several small guys, the red ones even next to walls lose their leaves a lot (though I'm coastal Scotland).

You need to know your soil type and pH before you waste money on things that won't grow there..lilacs want a lot of sun..Japanese maples, I have a lot nearer facing garden,they need acidic soil. Personally I would have left the brickwork and grown in pots. I have a pergola with bamboo in pots for screening,a red white and black variety. They don't loose their leaves in winter. If you want colour in autumn, Cornus (dog wood) red stems in autumn winter,Spring lush green leaves and white flowers, they do need a bit of sun. Lidl is your friend, lovely Camelias at the moment, hydrangea, lovely colours and happy with shade. Got my acers in there or Aldi,much cheaper than the garden centre

Blasted phone,north east facing garden!

Definitely camellia. There are also come clematis that are ok with shade. And sarcococca for winter scent. Maybe variegated holly with berries too.

Beech, copper beech & holly.
Lovely greens & browns all year round with red berries for a spot of colour.