Creating privacy in the garden, on the patio

Are you tired of letting your neighbours spy on your yard to their heart’s content? Beyond fences and hedges — which are practical for backyards, but not so much for urban patios — there are countless ways to shield your outdoor space from prying eyes. Here are a few to get you inspired.

Natural screens

Take advantage of the natural properties of plants such as sedges and climbers — the latter of which grow incredibly quickly and require little maintenance — to create a vertical garden. Clematis, honeysuckle and climbing roses, for example, will embellish your patio with their colourful flowers, while the dense foliage of vines, lichens and hops will create a magnificent screen of greenery. Walls, fences, lattices, arbours — there are tons of different structures your plants can climb on.

Furthermore, sometimes it only takes one strategically positioned large plant (palm tree, hibiscus, etc.) to create a privacy screen. Something to consider! Smart arrangements

Various arrangements can allow you to enjoy your backyard in perfect privacy. Consider awnings: a simple sheet of fabric over your meal area or outdoor living space is enough to block the view of neighbours whose windows have a bird’s eye view onto your yard.

Similarly, you could frame your outdoor seating with a wooden structure to create a sort of outdoor alcove. A nice, folding screen, some decorative curtains suited for outdoor use or a booth with a very high backrest are all great ways to block outside views.

With a little imagination, you can easily create private, secluded areas on your property. Grasses and climbing plants are precious allies when it comes to shielding your patio from prying eyes.