The best gardens make you feel at home – with spaces you can enjoy with family and friends without external disturbances.
In addition to providing protection from destructive elements, garden screening can create a sense of tranquillity and privacy in your garden. Cleverly placed garden screens can also conceal outdoor eyesores like bins or generators.
Garden screens are great for creating different zones in your garden. Start with planning the zones closer to the house, taking into account patios and outdoor dining areas. These will provide a framework for choosing the best garden screens to match your property's aesthetic.
Boundary
A garden fence, wall or hedge improves security around your plot and establishes its boundaries.
The type of boundary you choose should reflect your property style. For example, rustic fences, walls or hedges may suit older homes, whereas these may look out of place surrounding a modern home.
Hedges bordering your garden are natural screens. Smaller shrubs and tall evergreens all work well, but keep in mind that hedges need regular maintenance to help ensure privacy and keep out unsightly views.
- To help hedges grow more quickly, first clear the area beneath them to let in more light and increase space.
- Remember that the roots of hedges can extend far underground, so avoid planting them near outbuildings or neighbouring properties.
Bamboo is another popular garden screening tool. It's relatively inexpensive, grows quickly and is low maintenance. It can be used along borders and fences or in planters or beds to add screening to a patio.
Trellises
Fixing a trellis to your walls or fences will enable you to plant climbers, creating a living screen to make your garden in tune with nature.
Trellises can also provide screening to a seating area or around flowerbeds. The most usual ones are square-shaped, although diamond latticework and more ornate patterns are becoming more common. You are sure to find a structure that complements your garden design.
Awnings
Garden screens can be used to provide protection from every direction – including up.
Awnings provide shade when the sun is out and will also protect outdoor furniture from the rain in the event of a sudden downpour.
Trees
For bigger gardens, large trees make excellent garden screens and will also provide shade and greenery.
For areas that you want to keep in the shade in summer, plant a canopy of tall deciduous trees. This is ideal for outdoor dining areas where you want to keep your food and drink cool and give guests somewhere to relax if they want to get out of the sun.
Pergolas
A pergola will establish a focal point that helps frame the rest of your garden. Stylish and practical, a pergola will make your garden appear more interesting, as well as showcase it as a versatile space.
Most pergola designs use a wall or fence-style structure to partition the available space.
Decorate your pergola with high-climbing plants, such as rambling roses or golden shower, which will add colour to your garden.
Garden screening is a sure way to uplift the feel and look of your garden.
Writer : Sarah-Jane Meyer