There are a few bamboos that fit the bill, including Bambusa 'Alphonse Karr' and Bambusa textilis 'Gracilis' (slender weaver). Check out this site for bamboo info http://mrbamboo.com.au Facing north the bamboo will require a lot of water, and can look dry in summer. It is beautiful though. The suggested species get to about 4m. You can prune them if you are dedicated. Otherwise hedge and front plant, or a climber if you construct some form of support.

Hi Jenny, I'd suggest popping into your local nursery (not big box store). Often they will offer a consultation service where they can come out and help suggest plants that suit your aspect, climate and situation. The other option is to have a consultation with a local landscape designer or horticulturalist who specialises in planting. Check your local landscape association or AILDM for listings in your area. An outlay now could save you $$$'s in the longer term, as well as making sure that what you do spend your money on is going to give you the most bang for your buck. They'll also have local knowledge as to what can potentially become weeds. Just remember you can't plant anything against the fence that can be considered climbable - this can include hedges. Have a look at the link I included above as to what the definition of climbable is. Look for lush and green to link in with the background. Some pops of colour; maybe foliage (eg alternanthera) or flower (bougainvillea or mandevilla) will also help to lift it and make the green more green. Small growing varieties of lomandra may be better than the large one you have there - this could easily be moved, divided and used elsewhere.

So the top pic is the before , the bottom is the after ? Maybe plant some tall trees again haha . The fence looks pretty tall , so I can't see too many privacy issues , unless they are real creepy . There are some white wooden horizontal railings that can be seen over the black -- if you feel you need more height , go for something like that , but done in the charcoal tone . Or is it a different fence you are asking about ? Just an observation though -- with the fence and gate looking like that , next project will have to be doing the brown railings on the house in the charcoal too , but then the gutters will need a tweak , and on it goes . . . . . . . .

I guess it depends on budget , and what you want to achieve . A low rendered fence , probably with square posts every metre , would work , especially if rendered/painted exactly the same shade as your house . But more budget would be some low plants around the letterbox , and even come a metre or so towards the centre -- similar plants to your existing garden -- flaxes and grasses and something taller towards the left side . It sort of balances the look , slightly closes the front in , claims the lawn as yours . Oh , and cheaper too probably .