Welcome, GrannyPeck! What a great idea. I love the tall Joes, and they would really make a striking statement as a wind break. I've had mine for many years, and have split and moved them now and again, with good success. They clump out at a good pace, I think I'd start by planting about 2-3' apart, perhaps in a staggered line so it looks more casual. You may want to add some columnar evergreens now and again for a bit more winter privacy. I let Joe sit over winter with the seedheads, which would give you a bit of vertical screening (depending on how thick you plant them), but not a whole lot.
Another thought, or in addition to Joe Pye, you could look at some of the taller grasses (Karl Foerster is a good one) or clumping bamboos. Those hold well over winter as well and look lovely in the wind. I have Karl at the crest of a hill and he never gets knocked down by the fairly steady wind we have coming up the hill. I don't know the cultivar of clumping bamboo I have, but it has stayed well within bounds and is evergreen for me. I am currently trying to propogate more to use as further screening between us and our neighbor.
Take photos of before and after - we all love to follow projects!
