Thanks William.
I'm thinking she won't want to go for 55-gallon drums for aesthetics...but maybe nice pots. But there's also budget constraints.
The vines look like a good temporary first-year solution, and if they reach the roof that's a bridge she can cross when she comes to it.
That buys some time for more clear decisions about a host of things:
how much are they going to use the toilets and showers?
will they install a greywater system?
how well does the septic system work, and how often is it needing to be pumped?
any surprises the previous owner didn't tell them about (they don't really know why they sold the place...)
There seem to be differing opinions about even shallower trees and leach fields.
Air potatoes are one possibility if grown in boxes...and only if they're going ot be sure to put down some kind of sheet or tarp to collect them at harvest time. Don't know if they'll winterkill in that climate (North Carolina).
William Bronson wrote:" The Spruce" says these trees would do well in a leach feild due to their shallow roots
Dogwood trees
Japanese maple trees
Eastern redbud trees
Cherry trees
Azalea shrubs
Boxwood shrubs
Holly shrubs
To contain the roots of other hedge plants, maybe 55 gallon drums, with slits cut in the bottom and sides, sunk a foot or so into the ground?
I wouldn't trust it to contain bamboo or willow, but sand plums or hazelnuts should be ok,and allow them to enjoy acres to the nutrients.