While we may get on well with our neighbours, most of us crave a private sanctuary to retreat to — and a place to hold garden parties or al fresco dinners without any watchful eyes.
“It really comes down to how the space makes you feel; if a garden feels overlooked, people tend not to use it as much,” Luke Newnes, gardening expert at Hillarys tells Country Living. "As soon as you introduce a bit more screening, it feels more comfortable and somewhere you can properly relax.”
There's a fine balance between creating an outdoor space that doesn't feel exposed, yet still feels spacious and open. “For me, it’s all about balance, you want a garden to feel private, but not cut off,” expert gardener Luke, who is known for crafting vibrant, cottage-style gardens, explains.
“With the right mix of planting and flexible features, you can make a space feel much more secluded without losing light or openness,” Luke continues. “I always think creating privacy in a garden is about layering, when you combine planting with a few well-chosen structures, you can completely change how overlooked a space feels without anything too permanent.”
We asked Luke, as well as other gardening experts, for their advice on how to create privacy in a garden of any size, without investing in expensive or complicated new structures. Here's what they suggested...
Add extra planting where you feel most exposed
“The first thing I look at is where you feel most exposed, whether that’s a neighbouring window or an adjoining garden,” Luke explains. “From there, you can start softening those sightlines with planting.
“Taller options like ornamental grasses, bamboo or climbers on trellises work really well because they break up views without making the space feel boxed in. Even small changes, like repositioning seating or angling it away from direct lines of sight can make a garden feel instantly more private.”
Layer plants, flowers and grasses for a natural screen
“With planting, it’s all about building a natural screen. I’d always recommend layering different heights and textures so it feels softer and more considered,” says Luke. “That way, you’re filtering views rather than completely blocking them, which keeps the garden feeling light and inviting.
“Evergreens are great if you want year-round coverage, while climbers like jasmine or clematis are ideal for adding privacy more quickly across vertical spaces.”
Flexibility is key, Luke explains, due to the evolving needs of our gardens throughout the seasons, and even days. “I always suggest building in a bit of flexibility with things like movable planters, screens or adjustable structures” he continues. “This means you can adapt the space depending on the time of day or how you’re using it.”
Go big on climbing plants
“Climbing plants never go out of fashion, and for good reason – they look great, they’re cost-effective and fantastic for privacy,” says Ashleigh Bradshaw, a lawn and garden expert at Hayter. “Climbing plants instantly soften the look of hard surfaces, such as fences, walls and pergolas – creating shade, adding texture and colour to your garden.
“In terms of privacy, simply extending your existing wall or fence with a trellis is one of the fastest ways to add a natural screen between you and your neighbour’s garden.
“Not to mention, there’s loads of added benefits to adding climbing plants to your garden. Thick climbing plants work as a sound insulator and they can cool your garden in the summer, boost natural life in the garden and help improve air quality. There’s no downside.”
Try some fast-growing hedges
“There’s nothing wrong with a nice fence, but they’re expensive, can suffer serious weather damage in the winter, and need constant upkeep to look their best,” says Ashleigh. “Instead, try a natural and beautiful solution – fast-growing hedges.
“Fast-growing hedges, such as cherry laurel, privet, leylandii and bamboo, are the perfect alternative to man-made fences,” Ashleigh continues. “Leylandii is especially quick, growing up to 90cm a year and requires little-to-no maintenance.”
A quick guide to fast-growing hedges
Leylandii: A fast-growing, low-maintenance species of hedge that can grow up to 90cm per year. This hedge is a popular option, requiring annual cutbacks to keep neat and trim.
Cherry laurel: Another fast-growing hedge, growing by 60cm per year. This hedge is happy to grow in shadier conditions, however it’s also toxic to animals, so keep well away from pets that like to chew what they shouldn’t.
Privet: Perfect for a formal look to your garden, privet is a classical-style hedge that grows between 30-60cm per year.
Bamboo: A stylised alternative to more traditional hedges, use clump-forming bamboo, such as fargesia, and watch as heights reach up to six metres.
Utilise screen planters
Screen planters are nothing new, but they are seriously underutilised in gardens that could benefit from increased privacy, according to Ashleigh, who adds: “A screen planter is ideal for artificially adding height to a specific area of a garden wall without extending the whole wall or fence to an unappealing height.
“Screen planters make ideal beds for bamboo, as the plant is confined to one bed and will continue to grow upwards rather than outwards. That being said, you can plant anything in a screen planter – they are a really versatile way of adding privacy. You can even build your own if you’re feeling up to a challenge!”
Consider a row of trees
While trees are a longer-term investment, they are very effective for creating privacy within the garden. “A row of trees like laurel or hazel, can also be used as screening from nosy neighbours,” Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk, explains.
Though Chris warns: “Be sure to consider the mature size of any tree and its root system, as large roots can cause structural issues or lead to neighbourly disputes.”
As alternative, bamboo grows quickly in pots and can provide a natural screen. “Bamboo grown in pots is another good option,” Chris explains. “To prevent it from spreading uncontrollably, always restrict the roots, especially if you’re planting directly in the ground.”
Construct a pergola
Landscaping a garden isn’t just for your own enjoyment, it can also massively increase the value of your home.
Ashleigh explains: “If your garden is overlooked by a neighbouring window, you can add privacy and value to your home by constructing a pergola.
“Pergolas offer an aesthetically pleasing way of sectioning lawn furniture, and can be further decorated with potted plants. Installing a pergola is ideal in the winter, as it will be ready by the following summer to be enjoyed as a sun break,” Ashleigh continues.
“I enjoy the privacy a pergola brings to outdoor barbecues and summer al-fresco dining, but whatever you use it for, it will create a defined space for relaxation and socialising out of view of your neighbour’s window.”
Summer gardening edit
John Lewis VegTrug
Metal Square Digging Spade
