Creative Privacy Hedge Suggestions - So Cal

Hello! I am looking to create a privacy hedge between my mom's house and her very hostile neighbor. Due to neighborhood rules, no fences and no planting trees in the ground. I am researching shrubs and trees that, 1) can grow in large planters, 2) can handle full sun and low watering, 3) will provide as much visible shielding as possible. On top of that, I've started to get intrigued by varieties that look unique and/or are Asian, like the Korean boxwood and the Korean lilac (which is probably too short, but could possibly be planted along the bottom of the shrubs to cover up empty space).

I would be so grateful for your suggestions. My mom used to love to garden, but has stopped going into her yard because of this neighbor. (Who is mean to everyone in general and not just my mom). I want to make her a living shield that not only blocks out the mean neighbor, but makes my mom forget that the neighbor was ever on the other side of the hedge. *-*

Thank you!!!

I just need to ask, are the hedging material being planted in the ground or will it be planted in planters? What is your budget? how long is the area needing planting? Would you be willing to hire a landscaper to get wholesale pricing on full-size plants?

This message was edited May 10, 2017 9:37 PM

Either of those is nice. The boxwood is perhaps a little more tidy. Is it possible to plant the Boxwood to make a solid "wall" and then put a few of the lilacs on your mom's side of the boxwood so she can enjoy the blooms and wonderful fragrance?

Hi! @Growin, My budget is $500 total. The trees must all be planted in planters, the neighborhood currently has a no new fences, and no new trees rule in place. The area is about 25-30 feet across. @Cville_Gardener, Thank you for the suggestion! I really like it. :)

I just want to throw in that I think your best bet on a tight budget would be to purchase large rectangular planters with trellises built in or added. Plant seed or small plants of a wide variety of vines that grow fast, thick and flower. If you still want to go for bushes, it would be helpful to find out what is available at super discount rates for large plants in your area. Do you know any large wholesale nurseries in your area? From experience, the best thing is for your mother to move.

Thank you, @growin, I will look for wholesale nurseries! The neighborhood association was eager for my mom to file a complaint, bc enough complaints is reason to kick the offending neighbor out. But we'd rather try the shrub wall first! I went today to take pictures and measurements. One thing that I am concerned about is that if we put things up along the border, they will inevitably grow across the property line. But if we bring it in further, we'd be sacrificing too much space.

I'm starting to think the best way to accomplish what you want is to purchase the hedging material, leave them in their nursery pots as to save money from the planters and just water them in the containers they come in. You might be able to get a good deal for tall hedging plants, delivered and purchase planters later on. Good point about the vines.