Advice on hedging here... ?

iamparakeet

I want to plant hedging at the side of my front forecourt garden, for as much all-round privacy as possible. I'm seeking any input before I go ahead.

The idea would be to pull up the row of paving slabs seen in this photo...



... Currently thinking of planting cherry laurel. But open to other ideas for aesthetic or practical reasons - maybe a variety would be better than all one row of same?

What should I know or do?

Since the soil beneath has been covered by slabs for years, should I look to enrich it in any way?
Should I dig in some rough matter like gravel or sand, or just add new compost and bone meal?

FYI, an old downspout runs underground beneath the patio next to the row of slabs.
And another downspout exits above the surface on to part of the area where the hedging would end. I have another thread open seeking views on the downspouts.

Thanks.

Mojisola

Do you specially want a hedge? If it's privacy you want, have you considered trellis with climbing plants?

Davesnave

I can't see how far up the fence goes, but another option for about 7 months cover only would be to grow a grape or two.

Laurel is vigorous and good for screening, but it is quite hefty and needs space. Other evergreen options would include a couple of species of berberis (unfortunately prickly) or evergreen oak which can be shaped into quite a decent hedge. Same goes for osmanthus burkwoodii or elaeagnus ebbingeii, which have finer qualities than laurel IMHO.

A few names to play with anyway.