Garden Privacy Solutions For A Safer Summer
The summer is finally here, and with it comes the promise of plenty of fun under the sun. With barbecues, family gatherings, and relaxing by the fire pit on the calendar, creating a secluded garden has never felt so important.
Many of us struggle with surrounding neighbours and have to deal with constant interruptions to our time. With neighbours overlooking your garden, it can be hard to unwind and enjoy the moment when you feel like you’re being watched. Now that summer is in full swing, you should not be prevented from spending time in your garden because you feel uncomfortable.
There are plenty of garden privacy solutions that you can implement to create a more secluded outdoor space, no matter where you are based. Using our experience as a leading landscaping company, Gloucestershire Garden Design is sharing the best garden privacy solutions to help you make the most of the season in peace.
Planting For Privacy: Natural Screening Solutions For Outdoor Spaces
Plants are an integral part of garden design, but they can offer more than mere decoration. Plants can also be some of the best garden privacy solutions based on the types you choose and their placement within your landscape.
To enjoy more time in the sun this season and feel free in your own back garden, consider using plants such as:
Tall Hedges
Hedges such as Laurel, Photinia, Leylandii, and Griselinia are great garden privacy solutions for those seeking traditional garden design and can be used in both the front and back garden. Hedges are a common screening option for outdoor spaces, as they can add height and depth to traditional boundaries such as fences for better protection.
When using a hedge for garden privacy, consider evergreen species as these will keep their leaves throughout the seasons and offer more effective screening. With dense foliage, these garden privacy solutions not only act as a visual screen to prevent neighbours looking into your garden, but can also reduce noise both in and outside of the garden.
Bamboo Screens
This is one of the best garden privacy solutions for contemporary outdoor spaces because it is simple yet effective. Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that can be used as both a natural screen and decoration in your landscape. As it is fast-growing, it is a great solution for quick screening and can be planted late in the season without concern, as long as you use clumping varieties.
For additional flexibility, bamboo can be planted in containers or pots and moved around the garden as needed for screening.
Climbing Plants
Climbing plants such as Clematis, Star Jasmine, and Honeysuckle are a great garden privacy solution for those limited on space or who want a more traditional garden design. These plants can be trained to climb along fences and can go higher with trellises to cover gaps, while also being a stunning adornment to your outdoor space.
These plants can also be trained over pergolas to provide screening from overlooking neighbours and add shade to seating areas.
Structural Garden Privacy Solutions: Construct A Private Haven
If you have the space and budget, there are some structural privacy solutions you can invest in to make your outdoor space more secluded, such as:
Fencing
Fencing is the classic garden privacy solution and a way to separate your landscape from your neighbours. In the UK, fencing can be 6.5 feet, or 2cm, without planning permission – but it is best to speak to your local authority if you are concerned about your new installation.
With options for traditional timber or modern composite, fencing can be customised to suit your unique garden design. It is not only a great way to finish off the landscape, but it can create divisions between your garden and the surrounding landscapes to ensure privacy.
Pergolas
These are some of the best garden privacy solutions for seating areas or outdoor dining spaces. Pergolas can be installed over patios to add privacy and ensure they can be used in all weather conditions. Privacy can be further enhanced with screens, automatic closures or climbing plants, based on your budget and garden design.
Pergolas can provide screening from all angles, including overlooking, so you can enjoy time in your garden, eating and relaxing, in peace.
Screens And Panels
As well as being used alongside pergolas, screens can be a great garden privacy solution when used independently. Many of these garden screens, such as outdoor sails or curtains, are designed to be movable so you can adjust your garden based on your needs.
These kinds of garden privacy solutions can be used to create private seating areas or cover dining spaces during events so your guests are comfortable and safe.
Conclusion
Creating a private garden does not have to be complicated or expensive, as there are various garden privacy solutions available. Whether you opt for plants and hedges or structural changes, you can ensure that your garden is a safe environment all summer long.
With screening, you can enjoy all the summer festivities without worrying about your neighbours seeing or interrupting. From outdoor meals to relaxing evenings under the stars, your garden should be enjoyed this summer, and privacy is key to ensuring this.
As well as considering how private your garden is, additional changes may be required to get it ready for the season. Gloucestershire Garden Design is a local landscaping company that offers a variety of services to bring out the best of your outdoor space. If you are based in Gloucestershire, we can help and are ready to take on your next project.
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To learn more about our services or request a quote, please contact the team today.
FAQs
Do I need planning permission to increase my fence height?
Yes, across the UK, fences over 6.5 feet (or 2m) will require planning permission, so check with your local authority before making any changes.
What are the fastest-growing plants for garden privacy?
Laurel hedges and clumping bamboo are both fast-growing garden privacy solutions that can provide dense screening. When using these natural screening solutions, you need to manage their size over time to avoid them taking over the garden.
How do I make a small garden or patio private?
Garden privacy options such as trellis panels, with climbing plants, potted bamboo or a living wall are great ways to create a secluded small garden.