Take full advantage of your outdoor living space by creating secluded places with plants and privacy screens.

Would you spend more time in your yard if you had more privacy? Or maybe there’s an unattractive view you’d like to hide? There are a lot of ways to create private outdoor spaces and beautify the view with strategic screening. Here are just some of the countless options that can be adapted for backyards, balconies and patios.

Double duty

A living wall system does double duty as a screen and a planter. These vertical structures make the most of small spaces as well as a powerful visual statement. Commercial options are available but a do-it-youselfer could make one with common materials from a home improvement store.

A lattice wall by itself offers semi-privacy. When covered with climbing plants, it creates more of a visual barrier. Ready-made planters on wheels with trellis walls make it easy to move your wall around a deck or patio.

Combined materials

Wood plus metal is a great combination for outdoor screens. Check out this step-by-step video that shows how create a basket weave with metal flashing that looks great from both sides.

Classic hedges

Privet hedges and layered shrubs are classic privacy options. If you want year-round screening, opt for evergreens like arborvitae, hemlock, juniper and holly. Keep in mind that if you want to keep your hedge a precise height, you have to commit to pruning and shaping.

Repurpose old materials

An easy way to make a screen is with old shutters or bi-fold doors. Be sure to treat the wood so it stands up to the elements.

Pots are hot

For centuries potted plants have graced gardens providing architectural as well as botanical interest. Maybe your backyard would benefit from a row of pots filled artsy topiary, easy going grasses or stately thuja. (If you opt to go with faux topiaries we won’t tell!)

Curtains that conceal

Keep what happens under your pergola from prying eyes with outdoor curtains.

Just be sure to choose weather-resistant outdoor fabric that will stand up to the elements.

No matter what your budget, you can find or make an attractive outdoor screen that will provide more privacy for your yard, deck, patio or balcony.

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