Thanks for asking Gioenne Rapisarda. Its been a while since I put this up! Unfortunately other unexpecteds claimed priority. I have been spending a lot of time off my feet, so time to fantacise and sketch. Have gone through heaps of possibilities on paper. Some look promising, many are far to eccentric but have been interesting explorations. Fence and screen designing is not a job I've been trained for but I seem to have a little bit of flair. The exercise has taken me to some very interesting internet sites and have discovered new materials. Found myself, for unrelated reasons, driving through an up market new suburb in Sydney where many new architect designed, privacy screened homes..no idea where that was but have sketch ideas from some of those really...designed... fences Do not want to make an overstatement here.....just a practical remedy and remove my lovely stable-natured the dog from the site of the antagonism. My best idea at present is to extend and convert an existing large fernery in that yard and not involving that fence at all. Just a tidy-up there. This would eliminate the danger to cocky boys hanging over it making mischief. The local boys in blue have been of assistance as well...."adjusting" the cheeky boys! For now have a temporary solution for my big black boy and he's happy not being teased. Thanks again for your interest Gioenne. Did you have a suggestion ? Something I could add to my sketch book of ideas? Input from other creative minds is always welcome.

Kausm - yeah bamboo is really fast growing, being a grass. I've used quite a bit at my place for privacy hedging and it works a treat. Doesn't need much maintenance aside from the odd trim. Once you cut it off to the height you want the existing growth doesn't get higher - you just need to trim back new culms that might shoot up. Work out what height you need and then it might be best to contact a bamboo nursery near you with that picture. You definitely want clumping rather than running so it stays where it should and doesn't take over everything. Also I would advise something dense and with thin culms. As the bamboo puts up new shoots you can always cut them off at the ground to keep it in the area you want it in. Bamboo does drop quite a bit of leaves and culm sheaths, though, so not ideal if right next to a pool.

Perhaps it varies depending on region (factors like climate and soil type) but our viburnums didn't reach privacy hedge size for years. And then when they did we had to start pruning them regularly especially beside our driveway. The space you have looks much narrower than ours so I think you would have a lot of maintenance to do if you planted viburnums.

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!