I have a similar issue, although we only have 2.0m between our house and the timber fence. I'm going to try to do something similar to the following to at least block the main "view" into our windows: [https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/van-adelsberg-grant-residence-contemporary-garden-portland-phvw-vp~6010853[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/van-adelsberg-grant-residence-contemporary-garden-portland-phvw-vp~6010853) [https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/mod-kensington-modern-garden-san-francisco-phvw-vp~5094505[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/mod-kensington-modern-garden-san-francisco-phvw-vp~5094505) [https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/mod-kensington-modern-garden-san-francisco-phvw-vp~5897343[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/mod-kensington-modern-garden-san-francisco-phvw-vp~5897343) [https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/lakewood-remodel-contemporary-garden-austin-phvw-vp~2299166[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/lakewood-remodel-contemporary-garden-austin-phvw-vp~2299166) I'm still not sure what plants to put in front of or around the timber privacy screens. We really like the look of pencil pines, but I'm not sure they're right for the climate (Brisbane, Queensland) or whether they will receive sufficient sunlight.

Hiya, for a no fuss cover my suggestions are: Ivy - would cover the wall completely and also climb the fence. It's super easy to keep neat by using an electric hedge trimmer. Bamboo - get a species that is clumping - not spreading. Species that have black stems against the green leaves would look very striking. Most grow quite tall though and require full sun so you'd need to take this into account. Lilly Pilly's, Murraya's, Photinia's are hardy and great for tall hedges. Certain species grow quite quickly. Want to get some use out of your plants? Consider passionfruit vine. Great fruit, but the wine will lose its leaves in winter. Same with wisteria, ornamental grape, etc. Enjoy, and hope this helps. Cheers, Debs

love your house...pipes are a necessary part of most homes and paint has already blended them in a little, the simplest option for the gas bottles is to talk to the gas supplier and a plumber about moving them around the side..as long as they're still accessible for refilling they can be in a more discreet location. A wide "footpath" across the whole back of the house covered with an open pergola and a covered area extending to the brick barbq? with a screen to add privacy from the neighbours would look fabulous and also disguise some of the pipes... add a few big pot plants and some furniture and there won't be any ugly bits

Thanks for that link Lee. Not sure how I will go getting tile out - I was rather hoping for some kind of 'elbow' profile that I could silicone over the top and create a neat frame. I would if I could grind a channel where the tiles meet and retro-fit that metal trim? 'Me me' and 'Gallifrey' have metal edge too - I did not know that was an option. I certainly would have suggested that. Note to oneself - research before you get in a mess - not afterwards!