A backyard can be a haven from the hectic daily activities. Use these landscaping tips and simple solutions to create a hidden sanctuary and make your patio more private.
Grow Your Plants
Planting your favorite plants on raised beds or berms can give them a better ability to block out their views. When you pile up enough soil to add a foot or two to the height of your plants, you’ll be surprised to find that your yard feels more secluded. In addition, it places medium-sized plants at eye level. Grow super-tall perennials to quickly create a living privacy screen.
Tip: If you’re struggling with rocks, clay, or other poor soils, raised beds or berms are also a perfect solution.
Create a Room
If you don’t want to turn your entire yard into a private paradise, you can choose a corner and transform it into a secluded resort. An easy way to do this is to deliberately place a few trees to form a pocket. Here, for example, two pine trees make the hammock feel hidden. This effect is enhanced by a redbud tree behind the hammock.
Add a Lattice Fence
Do you feel a little claustrophobic at the thought of putting a fence in your yard? Try adding a lattice fence. It’s an ideal way to achieve privacy and enclosure without having to enclose the patio too much. The simple lattice panel is perfect for showcasing climbing roses or your favorite vines. You may find that lattice fencing is cheaper than building a traditional fence, so you can save money.
Layered Planting
Most people’s main goal in creating a secluded courtyard is to block your neighbors from seeing your space. But you can also take advantage of our private landscaping concept and turn it into an extraordinarily secluded yard, where plants are planted in layers to form pockets or plant walls so that you can’t see the rest of your house or yard. That way, you feel like you’re moving away from it all without actually going anywhere.
Use Hedges
Plant hedges and enjoy the green walls. Look for evergreen varieties, such as the arborvitae shown here, to provide year-round screening, or try varieties that fall foliage in winter but make up for it by presenting attractive flowers or brilliant fall colors.
Tip: While many plants are suitable as hedges, your plants will be easy to care for if you choose varieties that suit your climate and mature at the height and width you want your hedges to be.
Look for Interesting Material
Use unexpected elements to obscure the view of the courtyard and enhance the overall effect. For example, building a fence with special materials or decorating walls with architectural details. The plexiglass used here keeps neighbors out of prying eyes but allows light to pass through. It also shows the texture on the other side.
Mix It Up
There are no rules that dictate that you must stick to a policy that creates privacy. So, keep your landscape exciting by combining multiple types of screens. For example, this courtyard uses attractive fences and low hedgerows. A large tree casts a shadow, blocking the view from the terrace above.
Climb the Wall
Vines are like the Swiss Army knives of gardening – there are many ways to use them. Planting flowering vines like this fast-growing morning glory can cover fences, decorate walls, or landscaping pergolas to create colorful living screens.
Container Used
Large, bold container gardens are ideal for creating privacy, especially if you have little space, such as a deck or terrace. In addition, you can find containers and plants that suit any landscape style. Here, large metal containers house majestic palm trees for a modern look.
Hide Behind Buildings
Let the buildings on your property create privacy for you. For example, stuff an outdoor living space next to the garage so that the walls block the neighbor’s view. Or set up a patio or deck out of sight of your home.
Plant a Tree
A tree can be an effective way to block the view. Planting a fast-growing tree in just a few years will give your space shade from the sun and your neighbors’ sights. Here, the golden black locust (Robinia ‘Frisia’ plays a dual role: it obscures the view of the courtyard and becomes the focal point of this garden. For year-round greenery, consider adding evergreen trees to your yard.
Decorative Fences
Let’s be honest: the fence looks a bit boring. Luckily, it’s easy for them to dress up with the right plants in front of them. Here, the borders of easy-to-care annuals, perennials and shrubs soften the appearance of the fence. and supertall perennials that are higher than the fence to provide an extra barrier
Decorate Your Yard
Many homeowners only plant trees and shrubs around the perimeter of the landscape or as a base for planting close to their homes. A useful private landscaping idea is to plant them throughout your yard so you can shield your space more effectively.
Tip: If you have a small yard, use the columnar variety; They will grow tall, but most of the columnar options are less than 10 feet wide.
Keep It Simple
You don’t have to fence the entire length of your yard or around the perimeter. Instead, place one or two panels where you need them. It’s a great way to save money and increase the appeal of your home’s appearance.
Tip: To make a fence or two in your yard look more like a design feature, add a coat of paint to make them stand out and use them to prop up an espaliered shrub or small tree, or an eye-catching tree climbing rose.
Silencers
Intimacy isn’t just limited to visuals. Installing outdoor fountains, streams, or other water features can eliminate annoying sounds. Or choose plants that make a soft rustle in the breeze, such as oak trees and a variety of ornamental grasses.