Clematis: nice to look at, but also good to block out a neighbour

Clematis, May 2014

Some plants are really nice to look at, but they also do an extremely good job of blocking out a neighbour. Don't get me wrong: I don't mean to block them out of my life completely, but it's important to understand that thanks to the clematis here, the neighbours don't have a clear view of us from their kitchen window. Also, on their side of the fence, they actually have a higher-level on which their patio stands, i.e. they can easily peak over the fence into our garden.

For those with good observational skills or eye sight: the ceanothus plant at the left-hand side of the photo might eventually replace part of the clematis' "blocking out" duties. In the winter the clematis "dies down", and does barely block the view, whereas the ceanothus plant still has green leaves, minus the lovely blue flowers. Watch this blog in the coming years.