Did I understand you right that you have a swimming pool in your yard? What are the county regulations about having a 6-8 ft. fence around that pool? Some counties are very strict about that. Having a wood fence that high would solve your problems. Maybe the neighbors are hoping for an invitation for a dip in your pool. They probably don't mean any harm. Privet hedges grow fast but not overnight, especially in these high temperatures as we've had this summer so far. Have you just had the pool installed? Our county requires a 6-8 ft. fence and it must be kept locked at all times. This protects you as a homeowner as well as wondering children that may accidently drown.

Cassia marylandica (Maryland Senna) is a pea-family shrub that dies to the ground each winter but grows to six feet by the end of July (even tho the link says 4', mine get much taller) -- and in August produces clusters of gold and maroon flowers that smell like peanut butter, and the hummers love them. The black seed pods are ornamental in the winter. THey WILL spread by seed too if you don't deadhead. They can handle drought or shade well.

I live in Lanham MD near NASA and work at the Navy Yard -- with some advance planning I'd be happy to provide you with four or five of these.

Lynn

Here is a link that might be useful: Cassia