Reader’s Question
What can I plant next to a boundary wall about 4m wide at the driveway to my house to soften the look and provide privacy? The plants will need to grow vertically, but not more than 5-6m tall, and they shouldn’t have aggressive root systems as the sewage pipe is only a metre from the wall. I’m considering extending the height of the wall with wires to support a climber such as the roses that are blooming so beautifully now.
At the same time, I also want to plant smaller deciduous trees further into the property for summer shade and winter sun. What would you suggest?

JJ’s Answer
For the hedges, you can consider Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Nigrescens’ or ‘Catherine’, Nuxia floribunda, Melaleuca bracteata and Buddleja saligna. I don’t think a conventional climbing rose will be very effective and the Banksias that are in bloom now are too bushy. As for the deciduous trees deeper in the property, take a look at Heteropyxis or Dais cotinifolia.

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