Privacy is important in the garden, particularly around the area intended for eating or relaxation. Plants, used either as a living screen or to clothe an artificial one, are the ideal solution.
Real Solutions
It is difficult to relax completely in the garden if there is no sense of privacy and protection from outside interference, or if something can be seen which is better left hidden, such as storage areas or rubbish bins (trash cans). The problem can be physical, visual or psychological, but if it is essential to the enjoyment of the garden, it should be addressed. You can increase the height of too-low walls and fences by adding a trellis to the top. This will create a barrier to deter nearby animals from trying to enter, without preventing contact with people on the other side or blocking the view completely. Painting the trellis will add interest until the plants have grown to cover it and will help harmonize it with the surroundings.
If the item to be hidden is within the garden and is not too large, such as a compost container or tool shed, a single evergreen shrub or conifer should suffice to hide it from view. If there is one intrusive eyesore beyond the boundary of the garden that is spoiling the view, a strategically placed upright tree or conifer may be the answer, so that the offending object is hidden but the rest of the scene can still be appreciated.
If taller protection is required, trees such as birch (Betula penduld) are excellent for screening from nearby houses. Because the leaf canopy is light and airy it will not block out too much light.
Privacy is particularly desirable around an eating area, and again, a trellis is useful, as it provides screening without blocking out the light, is durable, supports plants easily and can be painted or stained to suit the area. Its main disadvantage is that it allows in cold winds. Wattle fences, bamboo and reed screens are also extremely attractive, although they are not as long-lasting as trellises. More flexibly, shrubs, tall grasses and small trees in containers can all act as screens, and can be moved to different positions according to need.
For a more solid barrier, especially where a wall cannot be built, a fence of closely spaced boards will provide good shelter. Close-board, interlock and interwoven fencing is usually available in 2m (6 feet) wide panels of varying heights.
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