Question
Thanks for answering so quickly, but let me reiterate...I'm not a gardener.  In my world "Prune" is something they make juice out of!  Not only does the word conjure up "yard work" but also evokes a neat, manicured look.  I prefer something a little more natural.  Are there any miniature evergreens that stay little?  That side of the house gets direct sun a good part of the afternoon and since watering means removing a big window screen, I'd like something that could get by mostly on rainfall and the occasional soaking by me.  I know...I can hear you now..."Buy some artificial flowers lady!"  

Followup To
Question -
Earlier this year my next-door neighbor cut down (murdered!) two incredible magnolia trees on his property.  The larger tree was right outside my living-room window and effectively (and beautifully) blocked the view of said neighbor's house.  I hate living with the shades drawn and wonder if there's an outside windowbox solution to this problem.

I live in Northern NJ, on the 2nd floor of a 2-family home.  I am NOT a gardener, so something goofproof and low maintenance is essential.

A maximum height of 2 ft would be fine since I only need to block the bottom half of the window. Evergreen are fine...flowers are not necessary.

I have several indoor cats, so please nothing that will attract birds, bees, etc. as I can just picture my guys scratching their way thru the screen!

Please help.  I love my neighbors (except for that tree slaughter incident!), but the view of their bathroom window is not what I want to see when I look out my window.

Thanks for being part of this incredible site.  Since stumbling upon it last year, I've gotten great advice of everything from jewelry restoration to cat care.


Answer -
I am not sure how big the planter can be, but if you can fit a nice row of 12 to 20 inch containters, and fill them with good potting soil. I am assuming that you have full sun also. And that you are able to keep them watered. I would buy some Privet, or Boxwood hedges. Then keep them pruned to the height you need. They are very dense and easy to keep pruned. There are some other good hedge choices, but it comes down to what you like to look at, and maintain. A two foot Boxwood would look very nice. Very English.

bakerplanter

Answer
I was trying to think of a good choice for you to solve your problem, but you were right, if you have difficulty caring for the plants that you put in, then the best solution would be something you can put in and forget, like artificial flowers or plants. There are many that look very real. They can be expensive, but you only have to buy them once, instead of replacing dead plants all of the time.
I'm sorry I don't have a magic plant, that will take care of itself, and not grow.

bakerplanter