Privacy with Plants

Want an evergreen choice that doesn’t look like a Christmas tree? Try “Dwarf English Laurel”, like in this photo from ‘The Tree Center‘. Glossy green shrubs like these grow in a tight and dense form, giving you complete privacy. Ask at your local nursery for a broad leaf evergreen shrub that grows 4-6 feet tall that works well in your area.

A lot of us love bamboo, but it can be a lot of maintenance if you plant it in the ground, as many kinds spread out of control very quickly. You can remedy that by only planting clumping bamboo, (check the nursery tag) or better yet, plant it in pots. It makes a light and airy privacy screen that can be moved where needed. We couldn’t find a source for this photo, so if you know where it’s from, please email us!

From ‘Hometalk‘, this flowering privacy wall was installed by a contractor, but there are plenty of “Living Wall” planter products available that would make a version of this DIY’able. Keep in mind, depending on where you live and what flower you plant, this wall may only be pretty 3 seasons a year.

This plant privacy idea from ‘Ivy Clad‘ is using the technique of “pleaching”. Apparently around since ancient times, pleaching involves weaving the overhead branches of plants together so that they form one unit. This is great for keeping the feeling of the garden open, yet blocking off unsightly views at eye level. Plus, it just looks so cool. ;)

From ‘Botanical Events‘, these fruit trees have been espaliered onto a trellis in planters for a really gorgeous privacy screen that is edible! I imagine the blossoms on these trees smell (and look!) heavenly in the spring as well.

In the western U.S., one of the most common evergreen shrubs is the emerald green ‘Arborvitae’. Why? Because they make excellent year round screening. Plant a hedge of them along a property line, or group 3-5 in a corner to block off a less than desirable element in the neighbors yard. Photo by ‘Old Heritage Garden Center‘.

More modern plants can be used for privacy as well. These horsetail plants have been around since the dawn of time, and make a great architectural statement in the garden. Photo from ‘Revive Landscape‘ by Lori Brookes.

This vertical garden from ‘Balcony of Dreams‘ is created inexpensively with garden netting and climbing plants. Great for urban areas as the plants are in pots and offer greenery to all the neighboring families.

Another option for climbing plants is to use the evergreen English ivy. These living fences from ‘Impact Plants‘ give you year round privacy screens with an English garden look.

Image Credits: Knibb Design, Tree Center, Hometalk, Ivy Clad, Botanical Events, Old Heritage Garden Center, Revive, Balcony of Dreams, Impact Plants

Original article and pictures take http://www.thegardenglove.com/privacy-with-plants/ site