Chatting to a neighbour over the garden fence is a social thing to do – but more often we value our privacy and especially in the back garden we want to be able to do our own thing without being under the scrutiny of all and sundry. 

For most of us our gardens are our sanctuary. A private and personal place where we can relax and destress. Yes, something we like to have company and will throw open the gate for a barbeque or family gathering. 

But we always want to be able the option to be tucked away by ourselves. And, sometimes unfortunately, new building developments or troublesome neighbours mean we need to create an extra layer of privacy for our garden. 

Whatever the reason for you wanting to add some privacy to your garden here are seven ways you can do that. 

7 ways on how to increase your garden privacy 

1 Build a fence 

A fence is the most traditional way to improve privacy in your garden but you don’t just have to stick with the good old 6ft lap panel. There are so many options for the modern homeowner including arched, feather edge, closeboard, and other decorative styles all of which look great while protecting your privacy. 

You can also choose from a range of materials, patterns and styles to fit in with the style of your garden. Moreover, you can choose to place the fences along the property boundary or anywhere around your garden such as around decking or a seating area. Closing off a seating area with panels on three sides really does create a nice, nest-like personal space. 

Just be sure to be mindful of UK fence laws which state your fence cannot exceed 2 metres without planning permission. 

2 Screening plants 

You might install screening plants. It is important not to confuse these with hedges, which we will discuss in the next section. Screening plants are not as dense as a hedge so give you some privacy without totally blocking off the view. 

Ornamental grasses are a brilliant choice for screening plants, especially those that grow a little taller. Bamboo is also a common option. Whatever you choose, placing these around the areas you want to keep to yourself such as a patio, is the best way to use them. What’s more, they can be placed in containers, so you have the choice to move them. 

3 Plant a hedge 

For those of you that prefer a more natural looking garden, planting a hedge is a brilliant way to improve the privacy in your garden. It’s important to choose one that is evergreen like conifers or you run the risk of reducing your privacy again in the winter. 

What’s great about a hedge is that it not only provides you with some much-deserved privacy but it can also reduce sound. If you live on a main road and find the noise of the traffic to be too much, a hedge will absorb a lot of the sound. 

There are so many different styles of hedge to choose from including English Yew which can be shaped into a formal barrier or the very decorative Photina Red Robin, the always popular holly or for privacy in a flash - the super-fast growing leylandii. 

The great thing about hedging to increase privacy is that you can but an instant solution by buying our well-established hedging plants by the pallet. You can see all our hedging here. 

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4 Use privacy screens 

Privacy screens are so versatile and there are so many options to choose from. There are freestanding screens which are great if you only want to create a temporary solution or have the options to open up the area as necessary. Or, you can install fixed screens for a more permanent answer to your privacy problems. 

Some privacy screens are totally opaque while others are partially see through. This gives you plenty of options in terms of style and how much privacy you get. You can even buy screens that you can install on an existing low wall to give you a bit more cover. 

Predominately made from bamboo slats or wooden trellis with artificial flowers or greenery they can be effective but are not very hardwearing. They also work out more expensive than naturally grown plants but do have the advantage of providing instant privacy. 

5 Install a sail shade 

A sail shade is a brilliant option if you are overlooked by neighbours from a height. For example, if the next door’s bedroom windows look directly down on your patio. Sail shades are made from weatherproof fabric and can be attached to existing structures like walls and trees. 

What’s more, they are a temporary option so you won’t cut off sunlight to your patio and not be able to do anything about it. They come in various colours so you can find something to fit the theme of your garden and they’re incredibly affordable as well. 

6 Frosted glass for a raised terrace 

Let’s imagine you have a raised terrace or perhaps even a balcony or rooftop garden. While these do give you excellent views, everyone can see what you’re up to too. By using frosted glass (or rigid plastic) around the edges of your terrace, you can add that all important privacy. 

But the great thing about this is that it won’t make the space feel closed in. A terrace or balcony is usually a smaller space and if you were to use opaque fences or something similar, it could make the space feel claustrophobic. You can add your own touch to the panels with lighting and decorations. 

7 Install a garden pod 

If you want to improve your garden’s privacy and fancy a unique garden feature then installing a garden pod is an excellent idea. These pods create a cosy and comfortable space for reading, dining or just taking in the view. 

They come in different sizes so you can find something that suits your garden and what’s more, you can add so many features. For example, many garden pods have curtains that even further boost privacy and there’s also the option to install lighting. What’s great is that many pods rotate so you can move with the sun throughout the day. 

Of course – these pods aren’t cheap and many people will prefer a wooden summer house or, as I have seen done very successfully, an ordinary garden shed can be tuned into a lovely space with imaginative storage and fittings.