Hi Gioenne. Not really. We purchased "advanced" Lilly Pillies for along the back of the fence. They're about the same height as the fence (1.8m). We've also been keeping the interior blinds partially lowered / closed. At the moment, we don't have any outdoor furniture so privacy while relaxing or entertaining outside hasn't been a big problem. Once we have purchased some outdoor furniture we'll re-evaluate the situation depending upon how much the Lilly Pillies have grown. With all of the other "new home" expenses, we'll probably just entertain in full view of our neighbours!

Not sure how it would go in Brisbane but what about trying a conifer? They grow fast and very tall. You can shape them or leave them natural. They are plain and certainly not tropical. Maybe speak to a local nursery and find out if they would grow in the sub-tropical climate of Brisbane first, as they are usually in colder climates (Sydney and south). Leightons Green Conifer – Leyland Cypress http://www.evergreengrowers.com.au/shop/hedging-screening/leightons-green-conifer-leyland-cypress/ Your quite limited if there's not enough sun and you dont use bamboo or tropical plants. Many other screening plants or hedges wont get tall enough for that space and climate. I hope you find something.

Funny you suggested those ideas Julie. As I have a bunch of the same and similar saved images. I was thinking to do this at the other end of the pool off the pergola. Doing something similar down the back fence would mirror off that so that would be nice. I would either maybe have to do it on the fence or further in from the fence as I have that drain there. I will have to check the rules on that. Thanks for your ideas

Thanks bigreader. I will definitely seek advice from a nursery. Whatever we decide will be a big outlay so we need to get it right. The current bamboo is about 12 years old and you can see the rejuvenated shoots in the photo (very dry because we have stopped watering). It was cut back to soil level after Sydney bushfires and never the same. The pots are full of roots and I am pretty sure we will need to throw them out with the bamboo and start again, My husband is fed up with the leaves in the pool - that's why I am looking for fresh ideas.