Anne Hathaway's NYC residence features a sleek, urban garden that skillfully tackles shade, privacy, and patio coverage in a contemporary manner, making it the most impressive garden I've come across.
In the quest to create inviting and comfortable outdoor living spaces, privacy and shade are essential elements. Here are some effective methods to achieve this balance, drawing inspiration from various garden screening ideas.
### 1. Tall Plants and Shrubs
Nature's own screen, tall plants and shrubs offer a natural and aesthetically pleasing solution. Bamboo and ornamental grasses create tall, dense screens, while evergreen shrubs like Arborvitae can form layered hedges when combined with flowering perennials and grasses, providing year-round privacy. Fragrant plants such as Sweet Osmanthus and Buttonbush offer privacy and a delightful fragrance, adding an extra layer of ambiance to your garden.
### 2. Mixed Plantings
Surrounding your outdoor space with a mix of trees, shrubs, and grasses creates a diverse and effective screen. This approach softens the space and gives it a natural look.
### 3. Structures for Shade and Privacy
Pergolas and canopies are overhead structures that can create secluded areas. Enhance them with climbing plants for added privacy and shade. Oversized parasols or sail shades can provide instant shade and create a cozy atmosphere.
### 4. Screen Panels
Decorative screen panels can add both privacy and personal style to a garden. They are particularly useful when you have a bit more budget to invest.
### 5. Layered Hedges
Create a layered effect with evergreen shrubs and flowering plants to balance privacy with beauty. This approach enhances curb appeal without closing off the space.
By combining these methods, you can create outdoor living spaces that are both private and shaded, perfect for relaxing and entertaining.
### Special Offers and Expert Advice
During the Memorial Day sale, Wayfair is offering up to 70% off on outdoor shading, including privacy screens. Garden designer Katrina Kieffer-Wells suggests that pergolas with shade sails work well in both sunny and shady spots. If you're living in a busy city with neighboring high-rise apartments and offices, don't forget to plant for privacy.
For those with limited maintenance time, faux planters can add colour with minimal upkeep, making them a good option for busy individuals. Temporary structures, such as pergolas, can create a laid-back lifestyle at home and can be installed and removed as needed.
However, garden designer Charlotte Rowe advises that pergolas do not effectively shelter from rain, and it may be more beneficial to opt for patio screens instead. In shade gardens, pergolas can make a cozy night-time feature with the addition of ambient lights and hanging drapes.
In a south-facing garden, a partially enclosed pergola can create a tranquil retreat, offering respite on a hot summer's day. A beach umbrella with a coated canopy and marine-grade hardware can offer lasting style for outdoor adventures.
Sources: [1] Garden Design: The Ultimate Guide (2021) [2] The Spruce: Privacy Ideas for Small Gardens (2021) [3] The Guardian: Fragrant Plants for Your Garden (2019) [4] HGTV: How to Create a Shaded Patio (2021)
Incorporating tall plants, mixed plantings, structures for shade and privacy, screen panels, layered hedges, and pergolas with shade sails can be effective methods for transforming your home-and-garden into an inviting and comfortable outdoor-living space, aligning with different lifestyle preferences. The Memorial Day sale at Wayfair offers up to 70% off on outdoor shading and privacy screens, providing opportunities to enhance your home-and-garden ideas within your budget.
