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Privacy ranks highly on the wishlist of most homebuyers. Whether you’ve just moved into a new house or hope to increase a property’s value by making the garden more private, there are a few simple steps that you can take. No matter how overlooked your garden is, there’s a solution out there.
1. Grow a hedge
Hedges are a wonderful addition to any garden. They grow thick and, in some cases, extremely fast, putting a stark divider between you, the neighbors, and their garden. Better still, hedges are notoriously good for nature. They provide nesting places for birds, allow plant life to thrive, and attract insects, including bees. Hedges are dense, and most people don’t appreciate how much privacy they provide until they see it with their own eyes. Growing a hedge is a commitment, though. It will need to be trimmed regularly, and deadwood has to be cleared in winter. Some neighbors might object to a new hedge, too, so it’s important to consult first.
2. Add fencing
If growing a hedge seems like too much of a commitment, fences make an excellent and low-maintenance alternative. Fences are easy to install, and fence companies will be able to advise you on the best fence for your needs. Trellises allow plants and creepers to flourish, whereas heavier duty installations offer the most privacy. You don’t need planning permission to install a fence, and the right type can give you a great deal of privacy. It’s still worth consulting with the neighbors first, though.
3. Cultivate a vertical garden
Vertical gardens are sometimes used alongside fences to provide an additional layer of privacy. They simply involve cultivating plants that grow tall and bushy, covering areas of the fence, and shielding your garden even more. Vertical gardens consist of small trees, ferns, and palms. Look for plants that grow fast and high and then plant accordingly. A well-constructed vertical garden can make your outdoor space feel completely cut off from the world. It will also attract wildlife (including those all-important bees) and give the garden a wonderfully natural look.
4. Use a trellis
Although technically a type of fence, trellises offer a different kind of solution to your privacy needs. They occupy a middle ground somewhere between fences and vertical gardens. Trellises themselves are made with large gaps, so they aren’t particularly private. However, those gaps are designed to support climbing plants and vines. When intertwined across the fence, those plants put a barrier of green around your garden, offering nearly as much privacy as a fully-fledged hedge.
5. Add a pergola
Pergolas represent a significant investment, but they help to “box off” a section of your garden, making it far more private than other areas. Some people even add curtains or drapes to their pergolas finished off with fairy lights, ensuring that they’re completely shielded from view. You can also include furniture like chairs and sofas, transforming your pergola into a summer house where guests can lounge in the warm weather.
