Congrats on choosing blocks for your garden bed. If you're looking for trees, I suggest considering a maple tree. They grow nicely over time, providing shade and privacy. I recently moved to a new house myself, and I'm also exploring plant options. Back in my hometown, we had a reliable tree service that helped us with planting and maintenance. Maybe you can find something similar in your area. I came across this website, https://www.deepdale-trees.co.uk , which might be helpful for you. They offer a variety of trees and services.

Thanks also Oskuee the orange jasmine is beautiful and we have this running along our fence line in our back yard ! We have more of a tropical feel ( as much as we can given the climate ) I have this hedge along a fence that is over looked through my splash back glass window so I can see the gorgeous white flowers . I think for the front yard it wouldn’t be tall enough ? Although I’d need to check that as I’m no expert

We underplanted our ornamental pears with viburnum ‘Emerald lustre’ I just love this plant, it withstands all weather conditions and always looks great with shiny lush foliage, I would add a watering system so your trees and hedge don’t compete for water and it saves you time also.

Thankyou everyone - these are some great suggestions!! I'm planning to visit a nursery when I'm in a neighbouring town and see what they have - but just knowing some ideas gives me a great starting point! No asthmatics, and no indoor pets here either. The place I currently have for it doesn't receive direct sunlight, but lots of light gets into that room, and it's not particularly cold or hot in that room.