New fence woes

[Sloelydoesit]

This is just a bit of a rant btw.... Totally aware I can't do anything about it.

My lovely next door neighbours have this year decided to sort out their garden. They have rebuilt the garage at the bottom to use as something and have replaced the fences which really needed replacing.
I have traditional wood fencing on the side that I have to maintain according to tradition. I love my garden, I pot annuals every year, have fruit bushes - a few different places to sit and I spend as much time outside when the weather is good.
Their new fencing is darker grey composite with concrete posts and base boards.
All of a sudden I feel like my garden is in an industrial unit! My teenage son took one look and said - are we now living in North Korea?!!

I know they can put up whatever fencing they like. Just a bit sad that my soft coloured garden has now gone.

I get on with them and I know they have chosen it and probably love it. I can't even burst their bubble by telling them it's horrible!!

That’s a shame. Could you grow something against or in front of it? Some of those wooden planters with a trellis back for climbers?
A comfy swinging bench seat with a canopy in front?
How many panels?

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Budget option. There are expensive ones but you don’t want to spend a fortune on something that’s not your fault.

https://www.onlinehomeshop.com/ohs-3-seater-swing-bench-with-canopy-grey-white-stripe?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23835322470&gbraid=0AAAAADDkGVRqFl_QoWcoVyHllW0qKJ9Uu&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6bbHuu7slQMVD5dQBh0WLw_cEAQYAiABEgJLm_D_BwE

Put your own fence up on your land.

I will definitely plant things in front to soften. I didn't think of a seat. That's a good idea.
It's six panels that are 6 ft. With the concrete base boards they are a bit taller

This is exactly why grey is such an irredeemably shit colour for a garden fence. Could you attach bamboo or reed screens to it as a disguise?

Either plant in front of it or put up your own fence on your side of the boundary.
Neither will affect them or their fence but give you total choice on what you are looking at.

Look up “large flower fence stencils” on Amazon .
Might give you some inspiration?

Are you allowed to paint somebody else’s fence?

I definitely won't paint their fence or attach anything to it. They have paid loads for this to be done and in fairness it's solid and will last. They have also been considerate and ensured everything is tidy on my side.

It's just all a bit imposing and stark! I will get creative and think of ways to soften my side without damaging what they have done. If anyone has experienced similar then let me know how you have managed it. I do have some raspberry bushes and some Jerusalem artichokes that have covered one panel. Just need to figure out the rest.