Add privacy to your overlooked garden

Homeowners wanting to deter nosy neighbours are being given top tips on how to create private spots in the garden.

Experts from GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk have shared some simple hacks to help avoid garden onlookers this spring and summer.

They suggest adding hedges and extending fence heights to stop neighbours from looking into the garden.

Other bits of advice include adding a canopy using a pergola, creative planting and adding perennial borders.

A spokesperson for Garden Buildings Direct said: “We know lack of privacy is a problem many people face in their gardens.

“With the weather starting to warm up and families planning to spend more time outside in the spring and summer months, now is the perfect time to find your solution.

“You could look at extending your fence height, although you will need planning permission for any fences higher than two metres. Other options include planting privacy hedges or evergreen trees and adding perennial borders around seating areas or patios.”

Here are Garden Buildings Direct‘s solutions for garden privacy: 

1. Privacy hedges

Shrubs and small trees can be the perfect option for privacy hedging in the garden. Rather than placing it along the fence line, look at incorporating hedges along a patio or seating area to separate the area from the rest of the garden and block sightlines from neighbouring windows.

2. Fence height 

One of the most effective ways to ensure privacy in the garden is to extend your fence height. The maximum height for a fence without needing to take out any sort of planning permission is two metres.

3. Add a canopy 

Pergolas can help to block the line of sight from onlookers. If you have a pergola with lots of gaps in the wood, you can train climbing plants to fill the spots and create an area of total privacy. Make sure to attach plants with a wire to each wooden post to provide more support.

4. Privacy trees 

If you are thinking of adding large trees into your garden to help with privacy, consider what sort of tree will work best for you. If you only want privacy during the summer months, deciduous trees work best. Evergreens will help create a private garden space all year round but will cast deeper shade on your garden and may block out much of the sun during the warmer months.

5. Perennial borders

These borders could help to obscure views without completely blocking out sections of your garden. For a successful perennial border scheme, include taller plants at the back of your border, with a mix of smaller ones at the front. A mix of textures and flowering seasons can ensure an attractive solution to an overlooked garden.