HOW DO YOU CREATE PRIVACY IN THE GARDEN?

Privacy is a big concern in our gardens. None of us want to build a ten-foot wall all around our property. Fortunately, there is a better way. CREATE PRIVACY IN THE GARDEN!

Using plants to create privacy is not only a friendly way to keep out the prying eyes of passers-by, but it also makes your garden space more green! And who doesn’t want more green in a garden? Plants can be used in the ground or movable containers or trained to grow up and over a structure. Use fast-growing evergreens for year-round privacy. Or, use a plant that drops its leaves in the winter and lets in all that light. (Are you going to be out by the pool then anyway?)) Think ornamental grasses or climbing vines, trees, outdoor bamboo, or shrub hedges. Whatever the privacy needs are for your space, a plant can provide it!

TREES – BEST PLANTS FOR PRIVACY

Apparently, around ancient times, pleaching involves weaving the overhead branches of plants together to form one unit. This is great for keeping the feeling of the garden opens yet blocking off unsightly views at eye level. Plus, it just looks so cool. 😉

 

EVERGREEN SHRUBS FOR PRIVACY

Want an evergreen choice that doesn’t look like a Christmas tree? Try “Dwarf English Laurel.” Glossy green shrubs like these grow in a tight and dense form, giving you complete privacy with plants. Ask your local nursery for a broadleaf evergreen, fast-growing privacy shrub that grows 4-6 feet tall and works well in your area.

 

PRIVACY PLANTS IN POTS

Many of us love bamboo, but it can be a lot of maintenance if you plant it in the ground. Many kinds spread out of control very quickly. You can remedy that by only producing clumping outdoor bamboo (check the nursery tag) or, better yet, planting it in pots. It makes a light and airy plant privacy screen that can be moved where needed. We couldn’t find a source for this photo, so please email us if you know where it’s from!

 

PLANTING BAMBOO FOR PRIVACY

So if you want to be bold and plant bamboo in the ground, as long as you do it right, you will be rewarded with a beautiful bamboo privacy screen/hedge that can be gorgeous!

 

PRIVACY FENCE PLANTS

This photo below is an excellent example of using a hedgerow of ornamental grass as a “privacy with plants” solution.

 

FLOWERING PLANTS FOR PRIVACY

Keep in mind that this wall may only be pretty three seasons a year, depending on where you live and what flower you plant.

 

USING FRUIT TREES FOR SCREENING

These fruit trees have been espaliered onto a trellis in planters for a gorgeous privacy plant screen that is edible! I imagine the blossoms on these trees smell (and look!) heavenly in the spring as well.

 

ARBORVITAE AS SCREENING PLANTS

One of the most common evergreen shrubs is the emerald green ‘Arborvitae.’ Why? Because they make excellent year-round privacy screening plants. Plant a hedge of them along a property line, or group 3-5 in a corner. This will help block off a less than a desirable element in the neighbor’s yard.

 

TALL PLANTS FOR PRIVACY, IN POTS

Modern plants can be used for privacy with plants as well. Since the dawn of time, these horsetail plants have been around and made a remarkable architectural statement in the garden.

 

PRIVACY SCREEN WITH PLANTS

This vertical garden plant privacy screen is created inexpensively with garden netting and climbing plants. Great for urban areas as the plants are in pots and offer greenery to all the neighboring families.

 

USING IVY FOR PRIVACY

Another option for climbing privacy plants is to use the evergreen English ivy. These living fences give you year-round privacy screens with an English garden look.

Image Credits: Knibb Design, Ivy Clad, Tree Center, Houzz, Hometalk, Botanical Events, Old Heritage Garden Center, Revive, Balcony of Dreams, Impact Plants