@islad, you already seem to have a box hedge growing either side of your driveway, not sure how much else you can put in before you start hindering the growth of the small hedge. You also don't say where you live so that makes the suggestion impossible, if for example you live in Darwin and I suggest a tree for Victoria. However, best suggestion is to go to a reputable nursery in your area, explain the size of the area you have available and exactly what it is you want to achieve. Your local nursery is your best friend. You will need to do a bit of work with the soil too after pulling out such large trees before replanting as the soil will be poor. Would love to know what is suggested for you. Cheers, Barbara

A lot of the great garden designers borrow from the surrounding view to make it seem like part of the garden. Can you frame a vista with an arbour and a vine or a low hedge? Do you love gardening or prefer low maintenance and what style do you favour? Native plants from the local area will do best since they have survived the same conditions as your place. Some ideas for you...

On the top level you could grow both edible ginger and turmeric. Growing these plants will allow you to enjoy their flavours in your food from your own garden. They would also give you a background level for the whole garden. Some of the cherry tomatoes would also give you a ground cover and plenty of fruit on another tier. Checkout the lovely grevillea ground covers on the net. The bottom tier would be soft with some of the grevilleas available.

I agree, if you want a lovely deep green I love Viburnum Dense Fence, if your nursery doesn't carry it they can order it in from ozbreed. It ticks all your boxes, is hardy, good in most soil types and conditions (we're in Melbourne), grows to a good height, grows quickly. https://www.ozbreed.com.au/hardy-exotic-range/dense-fence-viburnum-is-a-dense-screening-hedge-with-subtle-red-new-growth-foliage-hardy-exotic-range/  Ours has tripled in size and is very thick over almost 18 months, it's been really easy and I love the vibrant foliage colour. This variety isn't as glossy as some sweet Viburnum and the leaves are slightly smaller. I think the magnolia will be too sparse if you need it for privacy, I'm not familiar with your 2nd suggestion, and the lily pillies I see everywhere now and yes can have problems!