I'm living in the beautiful Scottish countryside, but I have some neighbors nearby, which has its challenges. We currently have a 4-foot fence separating our gardens, but with the strong winds around here, anything taller just wouldn't last. Unfortunately, I can't stand having a view of my neighbors' gardens, cars, and other unsightly stuff. I've been trying to make my garden as beautiful as possible, but spotting their mess really brings me down. I've planted a native hedge on one side, but it's growing super slow, and I planted a couple of multi-stem birch trees on the other side, which aren't providing much privacy at all. I'm on a bit of a budget, so I'm looking for suggestions on what I can plant or build to create a higher, more attractive boundary to enjoy. I've always dreamed of having a lovely old stone wall, but that's out of my budget for now!
4 Answers
I totally get your frustration! Planting hedges is definitely the way to go, even if it takes a while. In the meantime, you could try raising the height of your current fence. One trick is to attach thin, treated poles to the top of the existing fence and drape black mesh between them. This way, the wind can pass through, and it won't be too noticeable. For some extra height, consider growing fast climbers like passionflower.
Have you thought about using photinia red robins? They're fast-growing and evergreen, which could be a great help! You could also create a deeper border and mix in some slower-growing plants like conifers. They create a nice blend and should help with the view. I've planted a mix like that, and they’ve been doing well for me!
Yeah, trees might be the way to go. I'm considering shelling out for some more established ones since I want a quicker impact, but it's always risky when everything seems to die in my garden!
How about trying willow? It grows really fast—up to 2 meters a year! Just make sure your garden is big enough so it doesn't disrupt anything. You can cut some branches from existing willows and plant them directly into the ground. It won't look super fancy, but it will block out the view fast. You could also explore planting bamboo, but be careful since it can spread unless you manage it properly!
I can relate to your situation. I also dealt with annoying views from my neighbor's side. I've started planting evergreens like the strawberry tree and magnolia grandiflora. Although it's slow going, I think you're on the right track. Another idea is to install hit-and-miss fencing. It's designed so that you get privacy while still allowing wind to pass through. It might not be super sturdy, though, so keep that in mind!
That's smart! I tried adding some panels on top of my fence as well, but it only added a bit of height and I still see their stuff. It's frustrating because moving to the countryside made me think I'd have a lovely view, but I guess reality can be pretty different.
I tried attaching some slatted panels on my fence, but it didn't help much either. I had climbers too, but they all died on me. The conditions here are pretty harsh, and it's been disheartening. My garden used to be my sanctuary, but now it feels exposed, and it's such a bummer!