[Calisport]

I think as long as the plants will never go over the fence and the neighbors don’t complain you are fine.

[Mistymom]

Originally Posted by Villageswimmer

I agree that shrubs behind the screen is the best and low maintenance solution. I’d suggest podocarpus which can be trimmed and don’t naturally (columnar habit) get too wide. Whatever it is, it shouldn’t touch your house.

No, I’d not suggest plastic pots. If you go the potted route, invest in high quality glazed pottery. You can place them on wheeled stands for when it’s necessary to move them and even tap into irrigation so they’re watered automatically.

Hanging baskets would look beautiful but do require daily maintenance. Sometimes you’d need to water twice a day. Ugh!

Two questions: are you positive about a 7-foot clearance? That sounds like a lot. What are your neighbors with this situation doing?

Thank you for all of your great suggestions.

I'm positive about the 7 foot rear easement. I checked with the ARC about putting in shrubs, hardscape and possibly a waterfall before contacting landscapers. I was informed in writing that I would not be allowed to place anything there because the area along the rear fences have a 7 foot property set-back and nothing permanent can be placed or planted there except grass.

I really don't know what my neighbors have done because I moved into an established neighborhood and most of my neighbors are snowbirds.

I've lived in four different heavily restricted neighborhoods and have always submitted landscape plans when needed. I've even served on ARC Boards before, but have never run into a situation like this.

I'm trying to find the most creative and least maintainence intensive solution.

[VApeople]

Originally Posted by Calisport

I think as long as the plants will never go over the fence and the neighbors don’t complain you are fine.

I think you are correct as long as "THE NEIGHBORS DON'T COMPLAIN".

I know of one guy who put a free-standing tool shed in his back yard. His neighbors do not complain, so ARC does nothing.

[Garywt]

I know in my backyard I would need to stand on a ladder to see in the neighbors yard and that is not happening. If you can’t see anything from the street the busybodies that drive around to report people will not be able to see it.

[Two Bills]

Get some taller ornamental grasses to break up the out line of the fence.
Can you get Pampas Grass in US?
Clump, I repeat clump forming black bamboo is also grass, and easy to control.
All should be in obeyance of deeds.
Grass come in many forms, we have about eight different species in our garden in UK. ranging from 1" to 8-10 foot.

[skippy05]

plant a bamboo privacy hedge on your portion of the property, as it spreads it will move towards the fence and you did not plant it into the area that it spreads. it is very difficult to control, however, but very nice to look at.

[BarbC2016]

We had a similar problem up north in our restricted community. Nothing could be attached to our side wall. I put up trellises a few inches from the wall with morning glories and columbine. I have seen lovely flowers here on trellises that may meet your needs. Good luck.

[Rwirish]

One idea, sell.

[thevillages2013]

Originally Posted by Mistymom

We recently bought a Veranda home that we love. One of the reasons we bought a Veranda was because we thought we would have more privacy from our neighbors. This is true, however the six foot vinyl fence is 11 feet from our lanai. I first thought that we could create an island with plants to help hide the ugly fence. I just found out that there is a 7 foot variance that prohibits us from doing anything except plant grass. That leaves us with 4 feet of "our" property. The door of the lanai opens into that area also.
We moved from a house with a beautiful back yard and this situation is very disappointing!
We don't want large traditional shrubs crowding our screens. Does anyone have any other ideas?
Thank you!

BAMBOO!

[banjobob]

It’s your yard ,lol

[VApeople]

Originally Posted by Two Bills

All SHOULD be in obeyance of deeds.

That is for ARC to decide.

[Villageswimmer]

Originally Posted by Two Bills

Get some taller ornamental grasses to break up the out line of the fence.
Can you get Pampas Grass in US?
Clump, I repeat clump forming black bamboo is also grass, and easy to control.
All should be in obeyance of deeds.
Grass come in many forms, we have about eight different species in our garden in UK. ranging from 1" to 8-10 foot.

Ornamental grasses can be pretty. They can also get out of control here. Work with a knowledgeable nursery person. You might think about a combination of tall grass and podocarpus for a variety of texture and color. The grasses will get wide. If they’re strict about the 7 ft. Setback, there’s not much space and it may be a challenge to prevent plant material from encroaching.

I honestly don’t know how you’re going to avoid plants very close to the screening if I’m visualizing this accurately. I once had a similar situation. I used Robellini and viburnum, always trimmed so as not to touch the house. I never loved it but adjusted to it. Congratulations on your new house! There are no perfect ones.

[NotGolfer]

Maybe I missed something....did you not find this out before you bought your house that you love?? I know that finding out after is like closing the barn door after the horses ran out but...... I would look around your area for similar houses (not necessarily your neighbor/snowbirds) and ask those folks what they did. It seems that between ARC and your tastes, the solutions are limited.

[NatureBoy]

Originally Posted by Mistymom

nothing permanent can be placed or planted there except grass.

I think this is your key. You should be able to put pots or other planters in the space. You may be able to cover the area next to the fence with gravel, and then put the planters on the gravel. Or, put big pavers down and put the planters on top of the pavers - so they don't sink into the grass.

"Permanent" doesn't mean it has to be easy to move, just that it is not dug/grown into the ground.

Find a landscaping company familiar with The Villages and ask them. There are lots of Verandas and I'm sure many other people have the same restrictions and landscapers have figured out solutions.

Ignore those telling you to flagrantly break the rules and hope you don't get caught. That can become very expensive - as numerous people in TV have learned.

[G.R.I.T.S.]

Originally Posted by Mistymom

As I said in my original post, I love my HOUSE, but was asking for help with my fence.
I have no plans to move!

Color me confused. Was the home purchased sight unseen?