7 ideas for creating privacy in a neighboring garden (without raising walls)

Having a small corner of personal greenery allows you to carve out many moments of relaxation in nature, without having to leave the house.

But how is it possible to guarantee the right privacy in a neighboring garden ?

There is no need to do major structural work and distort the appearance of your outdoor space: read our 7 proposals to “isolate” your green oasis and make it ultra welcoming.

From hedges to pergolas, there is an ad hoc idea for every taste and need.


1. Create privacy in the garden with trees or hedges

The first and most natural solution to guarantee privacy in a neighboring garden is to plant trees or hedges. To do this, however, you will have to respect the rules established by the Civil Code and, if there is no wall, maintain these mandatory distances:

  • Three meters for tall trees
  • One and a half meters for short trees
  • Half a meter for fruit plants, shrubs, vines and hedges that do not exceed two and a half metres

Once you have considered these “boundaries”, you will be able to focus on the types of greenery .

For example, evergreen trees will offer you the same privacy even in winter, since they never lose their leaves.

Among the most popular types are the magnolia grandiflora, the fir, the holm oak, the cypress, the cedar of Lebanon and the strawberry tree.

However, make sure they are suitable for your geographical area and have them pruned regularly by professional gardeners.

If you prefer something modest, opt instead for tall hedges , such as holly, laurel, boxwood, osmanthus and pyracanthus.


2. Privacy in the garden bordering potted plants

If the garden is small or planting trees is not allowed, don’t despair: you can opt for tall potted plants and still achieve a spectacular effect.

However, you will have to take care of them and make sure they always have enough space, water, fertilizer and soil to thrive.

Among the most beautiful plants, we suggest, in addition to evergreen potted plants , also:

  • Oleander , resistant and evergreen, which offers a beautiful summer flowering
  • Japanese maple , elegant and available in many varieties of small dimensions
  • Camellia , famous for its magnificent spring flowers and evergreen leaves
  • Citrus fruits , such as lemon, mandarin and orange, fragrant and classic of the Mediterranean climate

In addition to positioning the plants according to the suitable exposure, choose the pot holders according to the style of the garden.

Terracotta is a great classic, because it is natural and resistant; in any case, make sure that they are materials designed to withstand sudden changes in temperature and bad weather.


3. Privacy in the garden bordering the curtains

To create a cozy and intimate space, obtaining a good level of privacy in your neighboring garden, use the appropriate outdoor curtains .

You can have a load-bearing structure mounted, to which a matching system of curtains can be applied, or you can take advantage of an existing pergola and have custom-made curtains made.

However, pay attention to the materials of the curtains! Select outdoor fabrics, treated to resist the sun’s rays, rain and other weather conditions.


4. A design solution: umbrellas

As an alternative to curtains, you can opt for a more versatile solution . How about an umbrella?

In addition to interpreting a super holiday mood, it can be easily moved and oriented so as to block the view of the dining table or sun loungers.

Choose the model according to the outdoor furniture already present and let yourself be won over by:

  • Colorful striped vintage style umbrellas
  • Original umbrellas with fringes and particular shapes
  • Minimalist umbrellas for modern outdoors

Add a coffee table, a deck chair and you will feel like you are already on holiday. Whatever your choice, combine a coordinated and resistant base .

To preserve materials and colors, you can then repair your umbrella when it is cold or cover it with a special cover.


5. A classic low wooden fence

If it is permitted by your municipality and you do not have any type of impediment, you can also create a wooden fence to ensure good privacy between neighboring gardens.

Yes, just like those of the past: you don’t need to make it very high, but the effect will still be pleasantly rustic and warm .

To vary the landscape, you can then add plants , planters with aromatic plants , seasonal flowers and small shrubs.

The additional idea? Along the fence, set up solar torches that will make your green area glow when night falls.


6. Bamboo fence

Do you like the idea of ​​a natural fence ? Then you could try bamboo panels, which are even easier to set up.

Here too, make sure that it is permitted by municipal or condominium regulations and that it does not represent a problem for the neighbors.

In addition to being an economical option , bamboo fencing will look great in a rustic , country or ethnic style garden .

However, it is less resistant than wood: if you live in a very windy area, it may not be the right solution for you.


7. Build a pergola

Finally, we couldn’t forget one of the most suggestive ideas for carving out some privacy in your neighboring garden.

Impossible to resist the pergola : small or large, it will allow you to shelter the table or outdoor lounge area from prying eyes.

If done well, it is an option of great aesthetic value that can enhance your exterior.

The structure, usually made of wood, metal or other materials designed to resist, will become your “blank canvas” on which to hang decorations or to insert plants and flowers.

In this regard, you could choose to enhance it with these climbers :

  • Jasmine, known for its heady white flowers and persistent foliage
  • Wisteria, romantic with its lilac, white or pink clusters of flowers
  • Bougainvillea, typical of warmer areas, recognizable by its showy fuchsia flowers
  • American vine, to enjoy the grapes at the end of summer and for its fiery red leaves in autumn
  • Clematis, irresistible thanks to its abundant and particular summer flowering
  • Climbing rose, in need of some extra care, but regal in its simplicity

Whichever vine you choose, make sure it is suitable for the temperatures and exposure of your garden.

Thanks to a little dedication and patience, you will have a place of your own to shelter from the heat, relax and organize lunches or dinners with friends and family.

Author

  • Ashleigh Bandimere

    Ashleigh Bandimere is a Freelance Foodie & Travel Writer who loves all things travel! She takes advantage of every opportunity to get away, Ashleigh is always ready for her next adventure.

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