Planting against existing brick wall to enhance privacy without creating an eyesore

We currently have a 5ft brick wall running the length of the side of our garden (we are the corner house)

This means that we tend to get a number of people passing and looking into our lounge or into the garden plus the land across the road has recently had a children's nursery and nursing home built which has meant a further loss of privacy, during the day

Extending the height of the wall would be costly (it's reclaimed brick) and would require negotiation with the council with regard to height and probably planning permission

We are looking for something to plant on our side of the wall that will look attractive but also provide a bit more privacy and encourage us to use the garden a bit more (decking and landscaping is planned), in terms of perhaps bushes or small trees

However I am concerned about the damage that roots might cause to the wall or any underlying pipe work and wondered about the best plant or way of doing it

Clumping bamboo or hornbeam have been suggested along with digging down to create planters to contain the roots rather than planting them freely along the wall

Any suggestions or help welcome

 

Anything planted along the base of a wall will struggle for water etc, I would consider a trellis then you could grow climbers in pots to cover the trellis.

 

rockinrockyrobin Welcome to GC

A few questions which may assist forum members with answering your query:-

• Which aspect does your wall 'face'?
• What type of soil are you working with?
• You say the wall is 5ft high, but, how long is the wall?
• How "deep" would you like it to run e.g how far away from the wall into the garden?

As well as 'privacy', do you also want 'security' (for example, a prickly pyracantha in case anyone decides to scale over your wall?). Do you want evergreens, or seasonal interest (or both?)

Sorry for all the questions, but, the more you can answer, the better quality advice you will be offered

 

What aspect is the wall?
How much sun does it get?

I like Bamboo, so maybe one of the Fargesia species?
Can get to 2/3 meters high and are clumping, so won't outstay their welcome

http://www.scottishbamboo.com/Special_Offers.htm
I would go for the Fargesia nitida