New Start

Ginny Barker

Have had my 15ft conifers taken down , at request of a neighbour, and am finding it a bit hard to get used to - even though I hated the conifers. Lack of privacy in particular is bothering me. Bearing in mind conifer roots are still in, does anyone have any tips for attractive, fast growing shrubs to give me some screening for a north facing fence? I am desperate!! All advice gratefully received!!

Fairygirl

You could stick Buddleias in. They will grow in that aspect, despite info to the contrary. They do need pruned back each spring, but will quickly fill a space.
It's a query often raised on the forum though, and the usual advice is a fence - which can be as simple as you like - and add climbers. There are lots to choose from. Posts and wire or trellis isn't expensive or difficult to do, requiring only basic skills. 

Unfortunately, anything 'fast growing' also means they don't just stop growing at a convenient height,  so they'd need maintenance and attention to keep them at a decent height. Most shrubs, planted as good sized shrubs, will take several years to give a good screen. It also depends whether you wnat another hedge, or something varied. 

Obelixx

I agree - posts and wires or posts and trellis panels or posts and builders' metal mesh for reinforcing concrete then try and wiggleout those roots and stumps and improve the soil.  You'll need plenty of old potting compost, well-rotted garden compost and/or manure because those conifers will have stripped the soil of its nutrients and moisture.

Then you can plant some climbers or wall shrubs such as pyracantha - evergreen, blossom, berries - https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/popular/pyracantha and/or a rambling rose such as https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/62815/Rosa-Reve-d-Or-(N)/Details which will carry on the flowering season for you or you could try a honeyuckle such as - https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/108066/Lonicera-x-italica-Harlequin-Sherlite-(v)/Details 

  

dappledshade

Ginny Barker said:

Have had my 15ft conifers taken down , at request of a neighbour, and am finding it a bit hard to get used to - even though I hated the conifers. Lack of privacy in particular is bothering me. Bearing in mind conifer roots are still in, does anyone have any tips for attractive, fast growing shrubs to give me some screening for a north facing fence? I am desperate!! All advice gratefully received!!

How about Spiders Web evergreen and variegated fatsia? It’s beautiful and does well on my north fence.

Ginny Barker

Thank you all. That's really helpful.