Which plant for this situation?

Here's the situation. We have a paved seating area in the garden, that was edged with trellis that blew down a couple of months ago. We grew honeysuckle and clematis through it, so we were screened from the road, but it wasn't a solid fence.



As an alternative to replacing the trellis, I was thinking of planting bamboo, but I think that may get too tall. The planting area available is about 12' long but only 1' wide. Very open and sunny aspect, with some shelter from the north.



Any ideas for a screen no more than 5' high, but keeping the feeling of being open? I live just north of London.

Which plant for this situation?
If you want to use bamboo make sure you plant clumping bamboo not running bamboo. Running bamboo runs everywhere by underground runners and is very hard to remove once it escapes (which it always does). Speak to a nursery and they will be able to supply you with a list of varieties to pick from.



I'd personally pick something that looked good all year round such as a clump or hedge of plants such as Camellia, evergreen viburnums, photinia or even the small evergreen magnolia 'Little Gem' this could be hedged to the height you require or a bit taller for something a bit different. You have lots of choices I find bamboo a bit untidy for use in the front yard of homes, but if you like it go for it.
Reply:You would regret planting bamboo. It will take over the universe and and several adjoining universes if there happen to be any. It requires constant trimming and maintenance to keep it from taking over the world.



Consider a hedge plant like Indian Hawthorne, red tip photinia or something like that.



Alternatively, you could build a decorative partial fence and replant it with something like trumpet bugle so you'll get hummingbirds in the summer.
Reply:Maybe short Bonsai trees? Lillies might work too.
Reply:I'd avoid bamboo. they tend to be more trouble than they are worth and can get very tall.



Evergreen shrubs like boxwood, junipers or privet are an option. They are easy to care for and don't need any special pruning instructions.



Deciduous shrubs and trees would work. Dogwoods, magnolias, filbert, elder.



Other choices: briar roses, Brambles/blackberries, mallow, ornamental grasses