Maintaining Privacy in a Garden Without the Fence
The heart of my urban garden is completely secluded from onlookers, which was one of the primary goals when constructing it. Most people don’t know that it’s even there until they are invited in. Short of installing a tall, imposing fence, you can achieve this kind of screening through a combination of structures and plant placement.
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Gorgeous Vines for Shade and Privacy
See Our Garden Photo of the Day!
3 Ways to Create Privacy without a Fence
1. Arbors Draped in Vines Can Create a Nearly Impenetrable Screen
An arbor toward the middle of the garden is connected by a lintel beam to the side of the house. This structure provides the largest source of privacy in my garden. It’s draped in thick vines that are allowed to intertwine and largely run wild.
2. Trees and Shrubs Placed in Strategic Sight Lines Create the Next Level of Shielding
The front of the garden sports some larger trees and shrubs such as beautybush (Kolkwitzia amabilis, Zones 4–8) and hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp. and cvs., Zones 3–9) that, when in leaf, ensure the street and the neighbors are not visible from the heart of the garden. But even during winter, evergreens such as Japanese white pines (Pinus parviflora, Zones 5–7) provide screening.
3. Sometimes, Privacy Is Relative
I chose not to create a barrier between my patio with the outdoor couch and my neighbors’ abutting windows because the space is so narrow that it felt rude (above). An inclusive attitude prevailed, and I decided that I wanted them to be able to enjoy the garden as I do. However, my back porch is screened off with a combination of containers, window boxes, and vines to provide a bit more seclusion.
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Lee Valley Mini Garden Shear Set
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These shears have a distinctive finger rest that not only aids grip but allows greater freedom of movement than a conventional handle design. They have a durable powder-coat finish to resist rust and wear, and a simple clasp that locks the spring-action stainless-steel blades closed. The set includes one pair of round-nose shears measuring 5 1/2″ overall with 1″ blades for cutting stems up to 3/8″ in diameter, and one pair of 6 1/2″ needle-nose shears with 2″ fine-tip blades for precise work.
ARS Telescoping Long Reach Pruner
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Telescopes from 4 to 7′. Cut and Hold (160) Blades. Drop forged blades for unsurpassed long lasting sharpness. Lightweight, 2.3 lbs., for continued use. Perfectly balanced for easy pruning.
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
Organo Republic 16 Perennial Wildflower Seeds Mix for Indoor & Outdoors
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Premium 16 Perennial Wildflower Seeds Mix – Special Garden Flower Seeds Blend designed for planting indoor & outdoors across North America. With over 16 varieties and 100,000 wildflower seeds, this mix is the best solution to attract pollinators – bees, butterflies & birds are essential for garden plants health. Our Special Perennial Wildflower Seeds Mix Includes White Yarrow, Columbine, New England Aster, Siberian Wallflower, Shasta Daisy, Lance-Leaf Coreopsis, Sweet William, Purple Coneflower, Blanketflower, Gayfeather, Blue Flax, Lupine, Dwarf Evening, Primrose, Mexican Hat, Prairie Coneflower, Black Eyed Susan. Easy & Fun Growing Experience with our online guides – Don’t plant disappointment – Add more colors to your wildflower garden! We send only super hearty heirloom flower seeds with the highest germination rate and fast sprout. Our detailed growing guide helps you grow seeds the garden of your dream like a PRO. Colorful Wildflower Garden from Seeds – Grow wildflowers everywhere – Indoor in window garden or Outdoors Flower garden Garden make a beautiful design for your garden borders, pathways, field or meadow and attract pollinators. Made in the USA by Small Family-Owned Business – Quality You Can Trust – Our wildflower bulk seeds variety pack are tested at the highest germination rates before being sealed to last for up to 3 years before you need to plant. Each packet of our flower seeds variety pack is resealable to make it easy to store and has its own label with a QR code for the growing instructions.
Lee Valley Mini Garden Shear Set
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
These shears have a distinctive finger rest that not only aids grip but allows greater freedom of movement than a conventional handle design. They have a durable powder-coat finish to resist rust and wear, and a simple clasp that locks the spring-action stainless-steel blades closed. The set includes one pair of round-nose shears measuring 5 1/2″ overall with 1″ blades for cutting stems up to 3/8″ in diameter, and one pair of 6 1/2″ needle-nose shears with 2″ fine-tip blades for precise work.
ARS Telescoping Long Reach Pruner
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Telescopes from 4 to 7′. Cut and Hold (160) Blades. Drop forged blades for unsurpassed long lasting sharpness. Lightweight, 2.3 lbs., for continued use. Perfectly balanced for easy pruning.
