A space just for you - creating privacy with plants

Be it nosy neighbours, loud roads or lingering smells, our busy world leaves little room for calm seclusion. More than ever, our private outdoor spaces need to become sanctuaries where we can block out others and focus on ourselves. Plants can help create pockets of paradise - finding that tranquil time-out is easier than you might think. 

We’re going to look at:

• Top plants for creating privacy
• Sensory privacy
• Creating plant walls
• Winter screening with evergreens

If you have the space and budget then buy bigger, more mature plants. Large plants will add instant screening and impact. Potted bamboo, like Bree, is perfect; fast-growing and tall, he stays vibrant all year round with little leaf-shedding. 

If it’s flowers you're after, hydrangeas like Gia are a great option. Big colourful blooms and tightly packed foliage make them a brilliant choice for privacy and drama.

Sensory privacy is often missed, but it can be very important. Sounds and smells really make a space, so add plants that will appeal to those senses. Oriental grasses and bamboo make relaxing noises as they sway in the breeze, while fragrant pots of lavender or flowering herbs will fill your surroundings with scent. Not only will they improve the immediate area, they’ll block unwanted sensory invaders too.

Vertical structures are an effective way to screen your space. Climbing plants like fast-growing Clem the clematis or sweet-smelling Jazz the jasmine will quickly cover a wall, pergola, arch or seat, offering a shaded and enclosed space hidden from view. Combine climbers with a pot and trellis for portable privacy.

Using outdoor shelves or ladders mean you can raise small gems like Tim the armeria maritima to eye level while creating a screen at the same time. Switch plants with the seasons to add colour all year, and mix and match with trailing varieties like Ivy the English ivy.

In it for the long haul? Train fruit trees along a frame. By shaping varieties like Andre the apple tree, you can create narrow flat plant structures that provide plenty of screening and tasty snacks.

There are lots of evergreen plants that don’t drop their foliage in winter. This means they’ll give year-round colour and screening. Consider choosing an evergreen variety of hedge, such as laurel or yew, for blocking noise and views, even in the winter. 

No room for a hedge? Add evergreen height and block unwanted intrusions with a fan palm like Mae the chamaerops humilis or Laura the bay tree, who can be shaped to fit your space.

Finding privacy and peace in our outside spaces is essential in this hyper-connected world. Plants can create natural, quiet spots for us to recharge and thrive, so grab that book and a drink – it’s time to relax, undisturbed.