Garden Privacy Screen
Who doesn’t need their privacy? Maybe you’ve down-sized recently to an area where homes are smaller and closer together. Now, being out in the backyard makes you feel rather open to the world. Condos and zero lot lines don’t offer much privacy. A smaller yard means less yard work, but it’s nice to have some personal space, too! Especially if you love to garden.
Even if you’ve got a fairly large backyard, creating a private area is just all around good design. And it adds some style as well. A garden privacy screen works kind of like a room divider. It breaks up a big space and cordons off a bit of it to make an inviting place to sit. You can even make a pathway that leads out to it.
But let’s add to that picture. How about a cute little collection of shabby chic decor? A few flower pots. Maybe a small fountain for the refreshing gurgle of water. How about inviting the birds by setting out a bird feeder or bird bath?
There’s no question that a cozy little nook is a desirable ‘destination’ in the yard. A comfortable place to sit outside to read, snack or just enjoy the fruits of your labor after the garden chores are done.
As an introduction to get you thinking, you’ll enjoy this short 3 minute video by Alexandria from “The Middle Sized Garden” in U.K. https://www.themiddlesizedgarden.co.uk/
What’s doable on a small budget?
When creating a “private area”, we’re not talking about a full fence, but rather partitioning off a small section of the yard. To shield an area for a specific use, so it’s not so ‘open’. And that’s quite easy and affordable to do. Some privacy screens are made to be portable, so you can move it around to different spots, if you need to make an adjustment.
As was stated in the video, you may have to ensure your plans are in sync with HOA regulations, utility easements etc. and that just depends on where your live.
Any number of fancy, garden privacy screens can be purchased on line. But why not make your own? A little nook can be created using a few fence panels, lattice or trellis. Be sure to check out your local Re-Build center to see if they might have some left over building materials that might work. Whether it’s formal in appearance, informal or completely whimsical, this is an opportunity to be creative and use your imagination. After all, it’s your place!
Here are some additional options to consider:
Curtains
If you build a frame work for your little private nook–something like an arbor or pergola–you can easily hang a rod and pocket style curtain along the backside. In addition to privacy, it would provide some nice shade as well. Since its outside, some people find that shower curtains are better suited to the weather. I heard one couple say they used a canvas drop cloth as a shade, since they are moisture resistant and quick to dry.
Pallet
If you like the rustic look, try standing some pallets on end or some other configuration you like. They’re very strong and durable, and are usually available for free or very low cost. They can be painted or stained any color. Then, hang your favorite garden art or flower baskets to enhance the look.
Trees, Shrubs and Hedges
Vegetation creates a most beautiful and natural garden privacy screen. But it does need to be viewed as a living investment. So take my advice and do a bit of research first to determine which species of plants will do best as a privacy screen in your area. Making good choices will benefit you in the long run, believe me!
Unless you want a formal look, mixing and matching ornamental trees and shrubs will soften the landscape. Ones with leaves that vary in shape, texture and color. Horticulturists in your area can make some recommendations. You’ll probably have to buy them on the small side and wait for them to grow.
The downside is that most trees and shrubs drop their leaves in the fall, leaving your yard or little nook more transparent for a part of the year. A second cause of leaf drop is disease. Learn which varieties are less susceptible to certain plant diseases. You don’t want moose or deer to munch down your privacy screen, either!
Finally, here’s a cheap solution for a chain link fence. It’s especially effective if you just can’t stand the view on the other side. There’s a product on the market that gives a faux hedge-like appearance to a chain link fence. You just un-roll the length you need and attach it to the fence posts. Voila!
Doors
If your outdoor decor style runs along the lines of vintage or “flea market”, how about a garden privacy screen out of old doors or even windows? You can use regular doors, bi-fold closet doors or even tall, wood window shutters. Fasten them together with heavy-duty gate hinges.
Paint them whatever color trips your fancy! And, just like a wood fence, you can hang bird houses, a window box or other artwork on your doors.
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Logs and branches
If you’re more of a woodsy type, you can fashion something simple out of logs and tree branches. You can go vertical or horizontal…or both. If they grow in your area, fresh willows saplings are flexible enough to weave into a small partition.
This writer makes her home on 5-wooded acres, so I’m always using logs and tree branches to make rustic fences, gates, line pathways…just about anything. They look natural in the setting. If you’d like to learn, too, you’ll find many creative ideas on-line and on the social media site, Pinterest. It’s fun to create something for yourself that you’ll use and enjoy.
Final Thoughts
More and more, homeowners are turning their backyards into a quiet and comfortable retreat. Even though your place may not currently have any privacy at all, there’s no reason why you can’t create a simple little place for yourself out of view of the neighbors. There’s many solutions and you just have to go by whatever is easiest, most attractive and affordable to you.
This would be a fun project to do with a friend or two and then celebrate your accomplishment with a little get together behind your lovely new garden privacy screen!
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Nice article! I have seen the faux foliage to use with chain link fences and they actually look pretty cool! Plus, they stay green year round! Now if we can only find an anti-moose screen!
Lorna, so glad you enjoyed the article. Yes, I agree, the fake stuff on the market now is much improved and looks better than ever. Moose can much your living foliage investment down to nothing. A product that has worked for me is called Plantskydd. It’s organic and doesn’t have any harmful chemicals. It uses scent to make something un-attractive to moose and deer. I have a article about it on this blog called “How to keep Moose from eating your trees and shrubs.” Thanks again for your comments.