Do you enjoy spending time in the garden? If so, you probably value your garden privacy and find it less than relaxing to be overlooked. Luckily, a garden can always be made more private, even if you’re on a tight budget.
Planting trees and shrubs is a great way to create a natural barrier between your garden and the rest of the world. Bamboo is another popular option, as it grows quickly – although it needs to be controlled if you want to avoid it taking over the garden. If you prefer a more manufactured look, fences and trellises are also effective for creating garden privacy.
Easy ways to create garden privacy
If you really want to enjoy spending time in the garden without having to worry about who can see you, here’s a list of the easiest ways to make a garden more private.
Plant tall trees and shrubs
One of the best ways to make a garden more private is to plant tall trees and shrubs around it. By doing so, you will create a living screen, making it more difficult for people to see inside. What is more, trees can provide much-needed shade in the summer months, making the garden a more comfortable place to spend your time. Using trees and shrubs for garden privacy is also an easy way to make your garden more wildlife-friendly.
When it comes to shrubs, laurel, holly, rhododendron, privet, photinia, forsythia, and honeysuckle are all excellent options. As for trees, consider eastern red cedar, hybrid willow trees, spartan juniper, thujas, and flowering dogwood. Obviously, trees will take longer to grow in comparison to shrubs, but will provide a much more substantial barrier. Just make sure the tree you choose has an eventual size that suits the space available in your garden.
Prices range significantly depending on the type of plants you want, but you can minimise the costs by browsing through websites like heydiscount.co.uk in search of promo codes. It’s also a good idea to ask friends and family if they have any seedlings to share.
Invest in bamboo
If you’re looking for a fast-growing option that will provide instant garden privacy, bamboo is the way to go. Bamboo can grow up to ten feet in just one year, making it the perfect choice for creating a natural barrier around the garden.
Just be aware that bamboo may be very invasive; choosing a non-invasive variety, such as clumping or sympodial bamboo, is vital.
When growing bamboo, keep in mind that it prefers moist soil and partial shade. It’s also important to water it regularly, as bamboo is a thirsty plant. Once it has reached the desired height, you can control its growth by trimming it back regularly.
Install a fence or trellis
If you’d like a more structured look, installing a fence or trellis is a great way to create privacy in any garden.
Fences are available in a wide range of materials, such as wood, metal, and PVC, which means you can easily find one that suits both your needs and your budget. Trellises are usually made from wood or metal and can be used to support climbing plants such as clematis, roses, or honeysuckle.
When it comes to choosing the right fence or trellis, consider its height. If you want maximum privacy, opt for something at least six feet tall. Make sure you also take into account the style of your garden, and go for fencing or trellis that will complement it. To give an example, a rustic wooden fence is likely to look out of place in a modern garden.
Consider the position of outbuildings
Did you know that the position of outbuildings can also have an impact on the privacy of a garden? For instance, building a long shed along one of the edges of your garden could help prevent people from peeking in.
The same goes for a detached garage or a greenhouse, both of which can be used to block the view of the garden from the street. Of course, not everyone has outbuildings in the garden, or the means to build one. But it’s definitely an option worth considering if you need extra storage, or are a keen gardener.
Invest in a water feature to create background noise
Investing in a water feature is an often overlooked way to make your garden feel more private. The sound of running water is very soothing and can help to mask any noise, making it more difficult for people to listen in on your conversations.
Water features come in all shapes and sizes, from small tabletop fountains to large ponds with waterfalls. As well as helping with garden privacy, a water feature can add a touch of elegance to your garden and make it a more enjoyable place to spend time in.
Making a garden more private doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. By following the tips and tricks listed above, you can easily turn any garden into a private oasis away from the rest of the world. If you need additional help, you might also like to consider hiring a landscape architect to create a personalised plan focused on garden privacy.
Do you have a top tip for making your garden feel more private?
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