Shrub Solutions For Every Landscape
As a gardener, I know just how important privacy can be. Whether you’re looking to screen out nosy neighbors, block an unsightly view, or create a serene oasis in your own backyard, the right plants can make all the difference. That’s why I’m excited to share some of my top shrub recommendations for adding structure and privacy to your landscape.
Evergreen Elegance
One of my go-to choices for privacy are evergreen shrubs. These hardy plants provide year-round screening, so you can enjoy your outdoor space in comfort and seclusion no matter the season. A standout option is the Prunus caroliniana ‘Bright ‘n Tight’ – a moderate-growing tree that maxes out at around 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide. I love using the standard (tree-form) version, which allows for additional plantings underneath the canopy, creating the illusion of more space in tight areas.
Another evergreen that’s proven its worth in my gardens is the Thuja occidentalis, or American arborvitae. These cone-shaped beauties grow tall and narrow, making them perfect for creating a dense, living wall of privacy. While some may find arborvitae a bit formal, I’ve found that leaving a bit of space between the plants softens the look, giving it a more approachable, friendly vibe.
Berms for Added Height
Of course, sometimes even the tallest shrubs just won’t cut it when you need that extra bit of privacy. That’s where berms come in handy. By creating a subtle, sloping mound of soil, you can give your plants an added boost in height, providing the perfect solution for screening out unwanted views.
I’m a big fan of berms, and use them often in the gardens I design. The key is to keep them subtle, no more than 14 inches high at the center, and gently tapered down to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. This not only adds the necessary height, but also creates a more natural, integrated look.
One of my former front gardens is a great example of how a berm can transform a space. Without that gentle rise, the small garden would have felt flat and one-dimensional. But by incorporating a berm, I was able to add depth, interest, and – of course – privacy, all while maintaining a cohesive, harmonious design.
Trellises and Lattices
If you’re looking for a bit more structure in your privacy screening, consider incorporating trellises or lattices. These vertical elements not only provide a sturdy framework for climbing vines, but can also add architectural interest to your landscape.
I’ve used this approach in a number of my gardens, and one of my favorite examples is a free-standing trellis we built in a skinny side yard. After a new neighbor removed all the trees from their property, exposing an unsightly roofline, we needed a solution that would provide height without attaching directly to the fence. The result was a simple, black-painted trellis that became the perfect support for a climbing rose on one end and an espaliered pyracantha on the other.
The great thing about trellises and lattices is the level of customization they allow. Whether you opt for an intricate, decorative design or a more streamlined, modern look, these structures can be tailored to fit your specific needs and aesthetic preferences. And by incorporating plants that climb and cascade, you can create a truly stunning, multi-dimensional privacy screen.
A Layered Approach
One of the best ways to achieve comprehensive privacy in your garden is to take a layered approach, combining a variety of shrubs, trees, and other plants. This not only provides visual interest and depth, but also ensures that your screening remains effective even as individual plants mature or need to be replaced.
In my own garden, I’ve used this technique to great effect, blending tall, slender grevilleas with lower-growing westringia and other drought-tolerant favorites. The result is a lush, verdant wall that not only blocks the view of the neighboring home, but also adds wonderful texture and movement to the space.
Another example from my design work features a combination of prunus, roses, and grasses, all planted beneath the canopy of a ‘Bright ‘n Tight’ standard. This multilayered approach creates the illusion of a much deeper, more expansive garden, while also providing ample privacy.
Customizing Your Privacy Screen
When it comes to creating the perfect privacy screen for your landscape, the options are truly endless. Whether you prefer the clean, modern lines of a trellis, the soft, billowing texture of ornamental grasses, or the sturdy, dependable presence of evergreen shrubs, there’s a solution out there to suit your unique needs and style.
And don’t forget, the team at ABC Home & Renovations is always here to help. With our expertise in landscape design and construction, we can work with you to develop a custom privacy plan that transforms your outdoor space into the secluded oasis of your dreams. So why wait? Start planning your private paradise today!
