Texas Gardening: okay, about this oleander..., 1 by podster

podster wrote:
Brigidlily ~ I suspect you want a plant that will be evergreen to provide year around insulation from the road? That might be something to consider with some of the suggestions. In this zone, oleanders are deciduous.

Although I just picked up an Osmanthus, sweet olive and don't have any experience, the reading I've done indicates it can grow from 8 to 30 feet but doesn't mind heavy pruning. Easy to grow, tolerating urban conditions. The only problem you may have is it thrives in shady locations and tolerates mostly sunny sites. I haven't decided exactly where to plant mine yet but it is blooming. The blooms are insignificant but smell wonderful! (photo of bloom)

Pampas grass can be wicked to work around. The blades of grass are sharp. My neighbor has some plantings and they cut them to the ground and burn them off late winter. That would defeat the purpose of a barrier. He says they become too huge otherwise?