Need to create privacy in garden - please help

[cherpears]

We live in a converted farm, nine houses in total on plot. We live in half the converted farmhouse. It's lovely, but very open -plan living in the garden area - the old courtyard, a bit like a commune!! As my parents said when we first bought it 5 years ago.

We only have a front garden attached to the house, with a small, low picket fence round it. The depth of the garden is ok at circa 5m to the house, south facing, but the fence offers little privacy. We are not permitted to put up a high fence, and frankly it would look silly and spoil our view of open countryside. We have a raised decked area with table and chairs immediately next to house which we've screened off with pots and bamboo. Grass area in front of it.

Does anyone have any ideas on how we can gain more privacy? We also have a childrens garden and kitchen garden not attached to the house, which are actually quite useless in practicality with a 2yr old and 6 yr old to watch over so we tend to use our front garden the most.

My 2 yr old ds is soon going to bolt the fence as its just too tempting for him with all the other gardens open and open space. I feel so mean keeping him out of the bottom garden where swing etc is, but honestly its a pest, tantamount to taking him to the park - I cant get on with anything and if he needs the toilet, food, etc we're up and down!! AArrrggghh!!

I long for a normal backgarden, where my children can play, and I can get on with work / chores and I dont have to speak to anyone if I choose not to. Sorry for rant! Other than that we love our house, but I'm really beginning to think its time to move.Please help.

[isitmidnightalready]

Can you make the front garden more interesting for him so he is not inclined to want to leave. Bring his swing up - have a sand pit - whatever you are able to do within the rules.

You could try and plant a toddler-proof barrier with low shrubs that are prickly in front of the fence. Gooseberry bushes / brambles / hawthorn / sloe. Anything that you can keep trimmed low to preserve the view and not upset the neighbours,but that is closely spaced so he can't squeeze between them. Bushes with edible fruit will be good for healthy snacking in the summer.