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MOST people love to sit in the garden when the weather is sunny, but it is less fun if several houses overlook your outdoor space.
Luckily, experts have revealed 10 of the best privacy ideas to keep nosy people out neighbors from looking into your garden.
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A spokesperson for On the market said: “As our gardens become an extension of our homes, it stands to reason that we need privacy in our gardens just as much as we do in our homes.
“Our top tips show how easy it is to implement affordable methods such as moving furniture, planting fast-growing climbers or adopting an ‘overgrown’ look, without having to spend a fortune.
“With a little time and effort, you can transform your garden into a private garden oasisaway from the prying eyes of the world.”
Here are the home experts’ top tips for garden privacy…
1. ADOPT AN ‘OVERGROWN’ LOOK
Embrace a wild and natural aesthetic by allowing certain parts of your garden to grow freeEncourage indigenous plants to flourish and leave some parts deliberately untouched to create a sense of seclusion and wilderness even in the most urban areas.
An overgrown landscape can look particularly enchanting in larger gardens, creating a playful, almost woodland atmosphere.
2. DISCOVER THE ZONING
Garden zoning divides outdoor spaces into different sections, creating different areas for different purposes.
For example, a lawn where children can play and a fenced area with an outdoor fire pit. to cook.
By dividing your garden with physical separations, you can maximize the functionality of the space while creating privacy within your own home.
You can create zones using fencing, trellis, or large plants, depending on the desired aesthetic and the level of privacy you desire.
3. MOVING FURNITURE
Garden furniture can make the outdoor space more comfortable. It provides a cozy place to eat outside and relax in the sun.
Place garden furniture strategically so that you don’t have to keep an eye on it.
Do not place seating areas in direct view of others, for example by placing garden chairs with their backs facing the neighbours’ windows or by placing the dining area close to the wall of your property, fences or outbuildings.
4. PLANTING TREES
Create a natural barrier around your garden using tall, dense trees such as laurel, photinia, privet or holm oak.
Planting evergreen screening trees along the perimeter of your garden will provide year-round privacy and can even be planted so close together that they essentially create a dense hedge, blocking access. the view of adjacent plots.
Trees that obscure the view are particularly popular in smaller gardens with less visibility or in terraced houses, where spaces are narrower and more visible.
The great thing about trees is that there are no limits to how tall they can grow, allowing you to block the view from taller buildings such as apartment buildings or multi-story homes.
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5. ADD CLIMBING PLANTS OR VINES
Other ideas for garden screening that are not immediately visible include trellis, walls and fences.
Good examples of these are climbing plants such as jasmine, clematis and ivy, as they provide good cover.
These fast growing climbers not only provide some privacy, they also look attractive and smell wonderful.
For a cheaper, low-maintenance alternative to screening your garden from the neighbours, it is best to opt for cheaper materials, such as reed, willow or artificial plants.
Unlike climbers and flowers, they require little to no maintenance and are more affordable, especially compared to larger, mature plants.
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6. ADDING HEDGES
Plant a dense hedge, such as privet or laurel, along the edge of your garden for a natural and effective privacy screen.
Hedges provide both visual and acoustic insulation, while also providing a wonderful home for all kinds of wildlife, especially nesting animals. birdsbutterflies and of course hedgehogs.
You can choose to let your privacy hedge grow or have a mature hedge planted that will directly block your neighbors’ view of your yard.
Although this can be more expensive, it can take years for a hedge to grow to a significant size.
7. ADD SUN SHADOW
Place retractable awnings, large umbrellas or shade sails over your seating area to keep it out of sight and create privacy.
In addition, these structures offer protection from the sun, so you can relax outside. If you work from home, you prevent glare on your screen.
Garden elements that add the most value to a home
A well-maintained garden can add 5-20% to the value of a home.
Sellhousefast.uk conducted a survey and consulted 36 estate agents, garden designers and property professionals from the UK.
And the experts found that the garden feature that adds the most value to a home is a shed.
- Barn – 82%
- Terrace or paving – 76%
- Secure fencing, walls or gates – 72%
- Outdoor lighting – 66%
- Sturdy decking – 62%
- Water features, such as a fountain or pond – 58%
- Modern garden furniture – 54%
- Artificial grass – 40%
8. RAISE YOUR FENCE
If your garden fence is lower than 2 metres, it may be worth raising the fence, as this will obstruct the direct view of your garden for curious neighbours.
If you’re concerned about a taller fence blocking sunlight, trellis or slatted fence panels may be a better option.
Before raising your fence, you should check your local laws and guidelines to ensure you do not raise your fence too much.
In most cases, fences in front gardens can be up to 1 metre high, and fences in back gardens can be up to 2 metres high.
9. ADD A WATER FEATURE
Fountains, ponds and waterfalls can add a beautiful and unique element to your garden design.
At the same time water functions can mask unwanted noises from the environment, such as roads or noisy neighbors.
The soothing sound of running water creates a peaceful atmosphere and attracts birds and wildlife, adding to the scenic beauty of the surroundings.
10. ADD A PERGOLA
A pergola or gazebo can be a wonderful addition to your garden. It creates a sheltered spot in your outdoor space, where you are protected from the elements, the sun and curious neighbours.
Building a pergola can be easier and less expensive than you might think. In most cases, no planning permission is required and you can opt for a simple wooden structure rather than a more elaborate design.
If you’re looking for something a little more chic and have the budget for it, transform your gazebo into an outdoor bar or hot tub.
