[missmoneypenny]

This is in my brother’s garden. As background, I support him with practical issues, he has some MH difficulties. There is a gap in his fence where the garden has a bank up the back. It has wire mesh.  For privacy and to look nicer, I think a shrub there would be a good idea. The spot gets a decent amount of sun but would also be in shade part of the day. Something hardy but not a “ thug”, that would only need pruning a couple of time’s a year would be good, if it flowered too that would be a bonus. It’s in the south east. Thanks for any suggestions

[snowdrops]

What about some native hedging to grow in & around the wire fencing, maybe edible berries etc for humans or birds & then plant a shrub at the front, hydrangea springs to mind or a fatsia, no flowers to speak of but interesting ‘balls’ of berries & a lovely large leaf doesn’t need pruning often, every couple of years but withstands a good hack then.

[mumofstig]

A couple of evergreens would be nice, to hide the gap..
Photina Red Robin has red new leaves in Spring and a Chaenomeles japonica (flowering quince) red, pink or white flowers.

[coldandwindy]

Mahonia?
(Would grow quite big but not a thug. Hardy. Doesn't mind a bit of shade. Low maintenance. Flowers cheerfully, when the rest of the garden is a bit quiet.)

[Growing Weather]

Golden Leaved Privet perhaps.

 Apart from the hardest Winters lots of colour all year round but very bright in Springtime especially with the Sun on the leaves.

Scented flowers in Summer if left unpruned ( Chocolate scent, to my nose ) .

Fast growing but can easily be kept within bounds.

[missmoneypenny]

Thank you for all these lovely suggestions. I like the look of the Photinia, it looks as if it would make really quite a handsome hedge. Also the Japanese quince could look lovely, maybe with a big hydrangea up towards the top of the bank. Plus I like the golden privet, somehow seems  more classy looking than the standard green one. I think I’ll download some pics and show to ‘bro to help him decide.