In the Garden: Create a private outdoor oasis

Stylish ways to boost that sense of privacyStylish ways to boost that sense of privacyRead MoreThe Vancouver Sun – RSS Feed

Spending time on our patios and decks is something we all look forward to, and these days, a little seclusion and enhanced privacy tend to be top of mind.

But often with limited space, we need to be creative with our containers and other structures to achieve that in a stylish way.

Structures that support plants are the most beautiful, and certainly neighbour friendly. I’m a huge fan of archways as they provide a welcoming sense of entry. A well-chosen piece of garden art or a statue placed just outside the archway can make for a meaningful focal point, while also providing additional screening.

Whether you have a sunny or shady location, there are myriad wonderful vines to provide both beauty and privacy. I love the large-leafed Algerian ivy, especially the variegated form, in shady locations for year-round beauty. Even though they lose their leaves, climbing hydrangeas (h. anomala petiolaris), are also spectacular, even more so when loaded with white flowers from June until the end of summer. Another stunner is the Silver Lace vine (polygonum aubertii), also known as the “mile-a-minute” vine because it grows so quickly.

The Silver Lace vine is also known as the ‘mile-a-minute’ vine because it grows so quickly. Photo by E. Minter /PNG

For sunny locations, fragrant climbing roses are a treat, as are June-flowering clematis montana with their attractive dark green foliage. If you need screening in a hurry, wisteria is a good choice. All these add a wonderful element of lushness and beauty to enhance your outdoor experience.

Where arches won’t fit, beautiful metal trellises adorned with plants will provide effective screening while taking up very little space.

Pergolas, as well, take relatively little room. Even an attractive six- to eight-foot metal column can support four to six feet of plant width when foliage is covering the structure.

A good-sized container, complementing the colors of your patio, will have a completely different look. Fitting it with a tall but narrow trellis smothered in annual or perennial vines, or even some of the more traditional vines suitable for sun or shade, such as campsis radicans or Boston ivy, will offer another visual break for increased privacy.

The June-flowering clematis montana has an attractive dark green foliage. Photo by E. Minter /PNG

With a trellis for support, you can also espalier smaller trees like Japanese maples. By securing them closely to the framework, you can train them to grow wider and thinner. And by using varieties like acer palmatum ‘Sango-Kaku’ and a.p. ‘Bihou,’ with their bright coral and yellow stems respectively, you can achieve beautiful winter colouring as well. This is a look that adds a high level of sophistication to your patio or balcony.

Many of the plants you choose can also act as pollinators and hummingbird attractors, always beneficial in any garden. Beyond adding much desired beauty and privacy, when strategically placed, they can also help cool your patio on hot days.

With a minor investment, there are many relatively easy, effective ways to create your own private haven to enjoy all year round. If you take the next step and add the magic of night lighting, everything you have done will be even more special.

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