Breaking up the great solid block of colour a little bit helps to hide it. Next is the choice of what to plant. I'm leaning towards: ficus pumila, climbing fig, which can be pruned to hug the fence tightly, Himalyan blue bamboo, (but might sprout on other side of fence as well, so should have a 60cm deep root guard or be planted in pots) or waterhousia floribunda, weeping lilypilly, which can be pruned to a narrow, non-climbable hedge but 30cm might be about as narrow as possible. I'm just a bit scared the bamboo will move into the neighbours yard too...You also have to be careful to not plant anything with massive roots that could eventually crack your pool, and it has to be tough enough to cope with a bit of chlorine... Then, put in a dip line so you don't have to water such a narrow spot. Good luck, and let us know what you decide.

Last month I installed glass pool fencing, which actually transforms my ordinary pool into a unique and gorgeous paradise and on the recommendation of my brother, I got in contact with the Sloane Accessories, the professional contractor for glass pool fencing, they installed a glass fence around my pool which adds style and elegance to my pool. As Glass fencing is the most elegant and preferred choice among people. This gives an attractive look to pools along with maintaining cleanliness around it. Although a bit expensive as they maintain the beauty of surroundings, with safe and higher durability.

Thank you Houzzers for all your help and insight. We live in Melbourn's East. I love Diosima and they grow well in my garden. I was ready to go and get some planted when I read the comment about maintenance. I see our neighbour out there with scissors hedging his and just cannot see myself doing that - I had to rethink the idea. I don't mind Plumbago and love Bottlebrushes. ( was not aware of the upright species so I will look into it) have some here and they look lovely and make me smile with all the birds coming to visit. I just love the comments and suggestions. Thank you all!

Looking at adding something like this onto of the wall. Perhaps increasing the balustrades and incorporating the timber or aluminium slats with a new electric gate. So still has some level of privacy with some plants on the footpath side. Plants an hedges inside the property hopefully to reach the height of the fence in time.