Easy Ways to Create Backyard Privacy

As sections get smaller, backyard privacy becomes more important to New Zealanders. The great news is that regardless of whether you own or rent, there is something everyone can do to give their garden more privacy from their neighbours.

6 Ideas for Improving Your Backyard Privacy

Nosy neighbours are so annoying, right? No one likes to be watched by neighbours in their own backyard regardless of what they are doing! So, it’s a great thing that improving backyard privacy is easily achieved. We’ve put together a short list of 5 things you can do to screen those nosy neighbours out:

1. Consider a hedge – yes, a hedge is rather traditional, but if you’ve got the patience to wait for it to grow, it will provide not only the privacy you want, but also a beautiful backdrop.
   
   
2.  Use large shrub trees in oversized planters – if you’re renting and can make additions to the backyard, consider using oversized planters. The best trees to plant in these to provide maximum privacy are bushy evergreens such as camellias, or you could try the leafy native Silver Lady Fern for a different look.
   
   
3.  Build a privacy screen – a privacy screen can be used as a temporary or permanent garden fixture. Build one out of thin strips of timber, such as those from a pallet. They are also readily available at local garden and hardware stores if you’d rather have one readymade.
   
   
4. Focus on an area – sometimes it is not possible to screen the entire backyard. So instead, focus on a small area where you spend a lot of time such as a deck or patio. It is much easier to plant quick growing grasses and shrubby bushes or use oversized container planting to screen a smaller area from prying eyes. Positioning your furniture to increase your privacy levels too.
   
   
5. Grow vertically – a vertical green garden or living wall looks amazing and can be easily achieved at home. Pallets, chicken wire and moss make a great base for a living wall, or there are living wall frames that can be purchased and set up instead. Small plants are best in this such as edible herbs, bromeliads, ferns, climbers including passionfruit and grape vines, and even strawberries. You could even plant our seed bombs in them! It is the shape and size of the living wall that provides the privacy, as the plants are only visible on the side facing you.
   
   
6. Layered planting scheme – great for around a dedicated area, a layered planting scheme provides a wider area of privacy, ensuring you don’t feel hemmed in as the eye looks out wide over different height plants.

Of course, there are many other great ways to improve your level of backyard privacy. If we can be of any help in selecting trees you can use, please sing out as we’re here to help.