November 22, 2002
Gardening for
Privacy
If you live in a location where privacy is
limited, you can actually create a beautiful garden
area with landscaping that will give you that
much-needed privacy. Hedges and shrubs are still
valid options for you to consider. However, they are
not your only choice. Do you want an area that will
completely block off the view of other neighbors or
passerby’s or do you want an area with some
privacy that light can still filter into? If you
live with lots of neighbors you can still enjoy your
garden with a little privacy.
Depending on your situation, you can choose
various plants or combinations until you reach the
desired effect. Using shrubs can provide a nice
dense structure. Some of the evergreen shrubs that
would be ideal include: Japanese Aucuba, Yew, Bamboo
Grasses, and Boxwood. Other shrubs that provides
beautiful flowering are: Privet, Honeysuckle and
Lilac
If you want more of a patio garden effect without
the bulk of shrubs, consider vines. These can drape
beautifully, provide a certain level of privacy, and
create a wonderful display of flowing greenery. The
Virginia creeper can completely cover a piece of
lattice in just a few short weeks. Other good
choices are annuals such as Sweet Peas and Morning
Glories, although they would need to be replanted
yearly. Vines can intertwine around just about every
structure and are very pretty.
Another very popular option is what is called a
planted screen. These hedges are trimmed
symmetrically and line up nice and neat for a great
overall look. If planting hedges as your privacy
option, keep in mind the adult size the plant will
reach. Often times people plant small plants without
giving much thought to the size they will reach upon
maturity and then they end up with a crowded mess
that is difficult to manage.
In addition, many taller, denser plants can be
planted in a row that would provide some level of
privacy. You have multiple options and should check
with your local nursery for their recommendations
specific to your situation. No matter which option
you choose, always remember if planting hedges or
shrubs against a property line, consulting with the
neighbor on the other side would be the courteous
thing to do. Good luck in creating your private
gardens, the final out come is a great place for you
to be alone or to work on your garden even more!
About the Author:
Garden Moose is the editor of GardenMoose.com,
and a feature contributor to Greenhouses.com
a leading internet destination for gardening and
greenhouse information and ideas.
