I'm gearing up for a move to a new house that has a small garden. The garden is surrounded by tall fences, but there are some pretty big gaps in them. While the garden is fully fenced, I'm on the lookout for ideas to enhance my privacy without needing to get permission from my neighbors—especially since I don't know them yet. I'm considering using bamboo screening but I'm worried about how to attach it since one side isn't owned by us. Privacy is super important to me since I've had issues with it in my current place, so I'd love to hear any straightforward and affordable suggestions all without the hassle of planting trees or bushes since there's not enough space for that. Thanks in advance!
3 Answers
Instead of bamboo, you might want to think about espaliered trees, which won’t take much ground space. If you can’t attach anything directly to the fence, maybe put up some posts within your garden to support a privacy screen. If you have a friendly neighbor, see if they'd be okay with you planting some climbers on your side for extra cover!
If you're open to planting, consider using shrubs like privet, red robin, or choisya. They can fill in those gaps nicely without taking up too much room. Just make sure to check what works best for your space and soil!
Be cautious with bamboo since some types can invade neighboring gardens through their runners, and once they're established, they can be a pain to deal with. Taller evergreens that are slim can work beautifully for privacy—it’s worth checking out the RHS website for some great options. If you need something above the fence height, pleached trees are a fantastic choice too!

That's a great idea! Plus, climbers can seriously add to the aesthetic of your garden while providing privacy.