Question
Hello!

I have a small city lot, and every back yard on the block is about 30' wide, and 30-40' deep.  Also, there is a detached 1 -2 car garage in that space.  I have a 1 car garage, and an 18" round stone patio, with a retainig wall forming a raised bed shade garden (Former above ground pool site).  I have a maple tree, and my neighbor has a huge pine on their side of the fenceline that over hangs my yard.

All yards are separated with 4" chain link.  We are free to erect any kind of fence. We are cordial with the neighbors on each side, so I do not want to offend them, but I need a bit more privacy.  When every one is out, we are sitting virtually 20 feet from each other.  I tried planting some vines on the chain link under the pine, but it did not do well.

I am afraid a big wood fence would be too much, and make our small outdoor space  feel cluastrophic.

Any suggestions?

Answer
Mary,

Sorry for the delay in responding.

I don't necessarily agree that a wooden fence will make  the back yard feel even smaller.   It will certainly give it a different feel, but that doesn't have to be bad.

A wooden fence, softened up with a few small plantings can nicely define an outdoor garden room.  

The alternative would be attempting a screening hedge.  The problem with that is the closeness of the trees, especially the neighbors pine.   The competition for light and nutrients in a confined area is pretty tough.  The older established (& big ) plants will win.  You'll end up with a thin, short hedge that doesn't screen.

Consider a wooden fence with espaliered camellias.
Here's a link to a fellow who's done it in Australia:

http://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/2003/archives/2003/in_the_garden/gardening_tips...


I've also done it in small urban backyards in Northwest Portland, to excellent effect.  Camellias, especially Camellia sasanqua, is easy to prune to the 2D look against a wall.  They're evergreen, with fall, winter, or spring blooms, depending on the variety chosen.

For what it's worth,
Mark in Portland