I have the same issue. Here are a few plants that I'm considering: Indian Mast, Pinnacle Syzygium, Pencil Pine, Spartan Conifer, Skyrocket Juniper, Lilly Pilly, Pittosporum and Ficus Hillii. I've probably gotten a few of the names wrong! At the moment, I haven't made a decision as I'm still trying to figure out what will work best for the climate (Brisbane, Queensland), position (some would be in direct sunlight for most of the day, but others would be shaded by houses for most of the day and I'd prefer to have the same variety throughout the yard), soil, etc. I am planning on walking around the neighbourhood to sticky beak at what other people have done in similar situations so that I have better idea of what will grow well and last.

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!

My purpose wasn't to dissuade you from having bifolds if it's something you LOVE the idea of but it's a good idea to think through things like what to do about flies and how will it look given there is a step down to the patio so you're going to have a threshold rather than seamless flow anyway. What is your climate? Which way does the back of the house face? It's useful to know the climate to know what will grow well for you and to know the orientation to understand where you get afternoon sun that you might want protection from in summer and where you get winter sun which you might not want to block? There are other questions to work through. Like people have asked, what's your style? Formal or informal? Native? Low-maintenance? Resort? Seasonal interest? Do you want to keep the maximum amount of lawn and plant only sufficient for privacy and shade or is the amount of lawn flexible? Do you like straight lines or curved garden beds? Do you want to extend the patio? Put in some paths between the patio and the back door and the clothes line and down the side? Make a space for a barbecue? Tuck in a garden shed somewhere? Storage for bikes and sports gear? I don't want to say too much until I know what's important to you. But for starters I'd plant a hedge along the back fence, I'd paint the pergola to make it look lighter and airier, I'd put in some paths and garden beds around the back door and clothesline and hws, and I'd plant a tree but I don't know enough about the block to suggest what sort and where to get the best benefit from it. That's what comes to my mind so far.

Thank all so much for your help Soil testing will be great idea. As it does not matter how small or large I plant the back of the trees or plants always Die. yesterday I spent chopping again at the back of the plants to save them. I do have dogs so it is a big concern when they are in this area of the back yard. I caught him leaning over the fence with a big white pump spraying the neighbours trees and handed photos to Police and the neighbour. Thank god for smart phones. He told police he was watering the trees. so he did get a big warning. I have beautiful parrots that come every day to eat and sit in my other trees. I love watching and listening to them from my balcony.