Mick Jagger's upstate New York property hosts a secretive and secure garden, offering privacy and protection.
Investing in the right plants for privacy can provide a sense of security and tranquillity at home, as well as enhancing the aesthetic appeal of any garden. Whether you're a homeowner or a celebrity seeking privacy, understanding which plants to choose and which to avoid is crucial.
For those embarking on privacy planting, ground cover plants are an excellent option. These versatile plants not only fill spaces effectively but also offer a soft and welcoming feel. Corsican mint (Mentha requienii), Silver carpet lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina), Hardy plumbago (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides), and Juniper Leaf Thyme (Thymus neiceffii) are all excellent choices. These plants thrive in various conditions, from full sun to shade, and are drought-tolerant, making them ideal for most gardens.
Japanese Boxwoods are another great choice for privacy screens, particularly for garden novices. Known for their fast growth rate and low maintenance, these evergreen shrubs provide structure and formality over a long period, making them an ideal choice for a privacy hedge in a cozy backyard.
However, when planting trees near the home, caution is advised. Certain species, such as willows and elms, have vigorous roots that can disturb foundations. Instead, opt for safer options like dogwoods, crabapples, and Japanese maples, which are unlikely to cause damage.
It's also advisable to consult a local nursery before planting to ensure the chosen plants are suitable for your specific location and soil type.
In some cases, avoiding certain trees is necessary to prevent damage to your home. Bamboo, Chinese wisteria, English ivy, and Cherry laurel are all trees to avoid due to their aggressive roots, which can damage foundations, pipes, and hardscapes.
Mick Jagger, for instance, has a flourishing and secluded green space surrounding his upstate house, a testament to the importance of privacy planting for celebrities. His garden features many levels of plants, including ground cover, towering deciduous trees, and waist-height bushes, creating a private, tranquil space that feels slightly hidden.
Thom Rutter, master gardener and Content Editor at Homes & Gardens, emphasises the importance of privacy planting, stating that the right choices in plants can make a private space as beautiful as it is functional. "Using privacy planting can help to make a home feel secure, safe, and secluded," he says.
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In summary, by choosing the right ground covers and avoiding trees with aggressive roots, homeowners can ensure both privacy and the structural safety of their homes. Whether you're a gardening novice or an experienced green thumb, the right choices in plants can transform your outdoor space into a private, tranquil haven.
For homeowners or celebrities seeking privacy, incorporating ground covers like Corsican mint, Silver carpet lamb’s ear, Hardy plumbago, and Juniper Leaf Thyme into their home-and-garden can provide a visually appealing and intimate space. Japanese Boxwoods, known for their fast growth rate and low maintenance, are another great option for privacy screens, especially for beginners in gardening.
