Screening Plants and Fences Add Privacy and Boundary
When it comes to creating a private oasis in your outdoor space, the options can seem endless. From towering trellises to lush living walls, the possibilities for adding that coveted sense of seclusion are truly boundless. As the owner of a building and renovation company in Aberdeen, UK, I’ve had the pleasure of helping countless clients transform their gardens into personal havens. And let me tell you, the results never cease to amaze.
Let’s start with one of my favorite techniques: the trusty trellis. There’s just something so charming about those latticed structures, don’t you think? Not only do they provide an excellent framework for climbing vines and roses, but they can also add several feet of much-needed height to an existing fence. As I learned from Homes and Gardens, the key is to plan for the trellis right from the start when installing a new fence. But even if you have an older barrier, it’s usually possible to modify it with a trellis addition.
One of my go-to climbers for these trellised fences has got to be the classic ‘Cecil Brunner’ rose. I’ve seen these beauties grow up to 15 feet in both directions, creating a veritable wall of blooms and foliage that offers ample screening. And the neighbors never seem to mind when those cascading stems spill over the top – in fact, they often appreciate the extra bounty of cut flowers!
But roses aren’t the only vines that can work their magic. As the experts at Harmony in the Garden shared, evergreen clematis varieties like ‘Wisley Crème’ and ‘Avalanche’ can also be stunning choices. The former blooms in the late fall and winter, while the latter puts on a show in the spring and summer. Talk about year-round privacy!
Now, I know not everyone is keen on the idea of attaching anything directly to the fence. In that case, a freestanding trellis might be the perfect solution. I’ve used this approach in a few of my clients’ gardens, and the results have been nothing short of spectacular. By positioning the trellis along the fence line, you can create a sense of enclosure without the need for permanent modifications. Plus, the added structure allows for all sorts of climbing delights, from ornamental vines to edible plants.
One particularly clever use of a freestanding trellis that I encountered was at the French Laundry gardens. As the Harmony in the Garden article mentioned, the trellises were arranged in a slightly staggered pattern to provide screening for the employees working behind the scenes, while still maintaining an open and informal feel to the overall space. Genius, right?
But what if you’re not the trellis type? No problem! There are plenty of other ways to inject privacy into your outdoor oasis. One of my favorite techniques is the good old-fashioned berm. By creating a subtle, gently sloping mound of earth, you can not only add height where it’s needed but also introduce an extra layer of visual interest. As the Harmony in the Garden article pointed out, the key is to keep the berm modest, no more than 14 inches at the center, and let it gradually taper down to seamlessly blend with the rest of the landscape.
I’ve used this berm technique in all sorts of settings, from compact front gardens to sprawling backyards. And the results are always so satisfying – not only do you get that much-needed sense of privacy, but you also end up with a lush, multilayered space that feels like a true oasis. Plus, with the right plant selections, you can even incorporate additional screening elements, like the towering grevilleas and westringias I’ve used in my own garden.
Of course, sometimes the perfect solution is right under your nose. As the experts at Real Homes suggested, the simple act of staggering the slats on a gate or fence can do wonders for privacy, while still allowing for a bit of visual permeability. It’s all about finding that delicate balance between seclusion and a sense of openness.
And let’s not forget the power of illusion! As the Harmony in the Garden article highlighted, sometimes all it takes is the clever use of upcycled objects, like antique doors and windows, to create the feeling of privacy without actually blocking the view. It’s a trick that works especially well in larger, more expansive gardens, where you want to carve out intimate, cozy spaces without disrupting the overall flow.
No matter which approach you choose, the key is to have fun with it. After all, your outdoor space should be a reflection of your personality and taste. And with so many incredible options at your fingertips, the possibilities for creating a truly unique and private oasis are endless.
So, whether you’re in the market for a towering trellis, a lush living wall, or a simple berm, I encourage you to let your creativity shine. Because when it comes to ABC Home, our mission is to help you transform your garden into the private sanctuary of your dreams.
