Tired of being snooped on by the neighbours? Checkout these handy tips to help you reclaim your outdoor space.
In the UK we have houses that are really close to each other, which means that it is common for outdoor space to be snooped on by neighbours. Being overlooked can be a real problem, especially if you like to be in your garden a lot.
The good news is that there are so many easy ways to add privacy to a garden so you can enjoy time outside without giving the neighbours a show. Let’s take a look at how to make your garden more private:
First Things First, Create Space For Change
The most important thing you need to do before you make any changes to your garden is to get it cleared and decluttered. Garden clutter takes up a lot of space that you can otherwise use for some helpful privacy changes. If you live in a city like London where space is at a premium use self storage for seasonal items like summer furniture and gardening tools. Storing away your clutter until you have time to sort through it is also a good use of space in a storage unit. You should also throw away, gift or recycle anything you know has no place in your garden right now. Think piles of plant pots, worn out parasols and deflated paddling pools.
At this time it is important not to make any changes to bushes or shrubs as cutting them back could actually take away privacy.
Tips For Making Your Garden More Private
Now that your garden is clear you can make some changes to keep out those prying eyes and reclaim your outdoor space:
Focus On The Sight Lines
It is important not to try and block out the view of the whole garden. This could cause you to cast your outdoor space in shade, and you might even break some laws whilst you are at it. Instead, try to gather where your neighbours can see into your garden by checking where their windows are in relation to your garden. Once you have a rough idea of those sight lines you can work on dealing with those areas only.
A Parasol For Privacy Above
If you are getting looked at from above a parasol is a great choice for making a garden table private. You can get huge parasols in all different colours and they can easily be stored in cheap self storage over winter. Alternatively you can look into gazebos, awning, trailing plants in overhead trellises, or decking roofing to help cover over a seating area.
What About Dipped Seating?
If you are open to landscaping you could create a dipped seating area, which will add some privacy. It is particularly helpful if the sight lines come from the sides of your garden and not above.
Screen Off Certain Areas
Garden screens come in all kinds of materials and aesthetics and can be matched to any garden style. They can literally shield a certain part of the garden from onlookers quickly and easily.You can even make one yourself if you’re feeling handy.
Fencing and tall plants can do the same thing if you want a slightly different look.
Carefully Prune
Either you, or your gardener, should take care to prune any large trees or shrubs in such a way that privacy is not affected when the plants have their annual haircut. The plants should not grow too tall and cast the garden into shade, and you can also remove lower branches for more sunlight and ventilation around the plant. You may even want to speak to a professional about changing shrubs or bushes for optimum privacy, or carefully shaping what you do have to maximise light and privacy at the same time.
Are You Ready To Make Your Garden More Private?
It can be so hard to balance privacy with keeping your garden light and airy, especially when you love to spend time outside. Luckily, with the tips above and perhaps the advice of a good gardener or landscaper, you can keep the snooping out, whilst maintaining the charm and beauty of your garden for the best possible use of your own little slice of nature.