Exposed garden

nsmb02

Hello everyone,

I have a very exposed garden (south west), heavy clay.  I feel I need  to put some kind of wind break at the bottom of the garden before I plant anything but I also want to be able to enjoy the wonderful countryside views beyond so I am reluctant to grow a hedge that would block the views from the rooms downstairs. I thought that I could plant a border with flowers that would resist high winds. I thought of lavender and some grasses but I wonder if it would be good enough as a wind break for the rest of the garden though! I want to be able to plant bushes, small trees and flowers specially on the right side to hide the fence (no climbing plants though as the fence doesn’t belong to me).

Looking forward to your suggestions!