Garden Diary: Disaster strikes

The contractor installed the heating and cooling unit while we were out of town for the weekend. In violation of my instructions, he put it in the worst possible place.

Located at the same height as the doorway, next to one of two light fixtures that gave a bit of symmetry, it completely spoils the back facade.

Here's a "before" shot for reference--just to emphasize how unfortunate this is.

My only option, if it remains in this place, is to use something like trellis, vines, and a large shrub (something like a Hollywood juniper) to try to hide the thing.

I added a tall trellis panel just to see how it might be used to diminish the visual impact of the electrical conduit and mechanical piping (below), but that's only a partial solution and not one dictated by the space. And I'd have to add screening trellis, or something similar, to hide the bulk of the unit (I also have to allow three feet of open space on the facing side to assure proper operation). Any way I look at it, it's like a bandage over a large, ugly wound.

I'm so pissed at this guy I can't even talk to him right now. I'm considering having the unit relocated, possibly to the ground where I can hide it more easily, but I'm sure that will cost dearly. Note he also added a white drainage pipe on the right, carefully positioned, not to align with the fence, where it would hardly be visible, but installed where it only adds to the visual clutter.

Beware contractors. Try to be present whenever they locate anything of importance.