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Screening
steven.g.garner
Posts: 133
Hello all, I hope you’re doing ok in this troubling time.
My first post here, and also my first ever garden so bear with me
When we bought our house in London we inherited a muddy bog, a million half dead conifers and an old rotting workshop and not a lot else. Over the course of 2 years I have managed to clear it all, level it (a bit!), lay some turf, re-fence and I’ve just built some borders for a little planting.
what I really want to do is create some screening for privacy against the building behind. People have suggested a big leylandi at the back, but I’m sure I can use perspective and something ‘nicer’. My thoughts were to divide the garden, have a couple of trees halfway down (outside the shade of the lovely oaks). Then at the back put a shed and perhaps a little den, and maybe some Portuguese laurel across the back.
ANY advice welcome, I’m conscious of the large oaks and also conscious I’m very much a beginner but willing to spend a lot of time and love to make this a good space.
cheers,
Steve
My first post here, and also my first ever garden so bear with me
When we bought our house in London we inherited a muddy bog, a million half dead conifers and an old rotting workshop and not a lot else. Over the course of 2 years I have managed to clear it all, level it (a bit!), lay some turf, re-fence and I’ve just built some borders for a little planting.
what I really want to do is create some screening for privacy against the building behind. People have suggested a big leylandi at the back, but I’m sure I can use perspective and something ‘nicer’. My thoughts were to divide the garden, have a couple of trees halfway down (outside the shade of the lovely oaks). Then at the back put a shed and perhaps a little den, and maybe some Portuguese laurel across the back.
ANY advice welcome, I’m conscious of the large oaks and also conscious I’m very much a beginner but willing to spend a lot of time and love to make this a good space.
cheers,
Steve
0
Posts
If you make a simple trellis screen there, and plant climbers, that will give you better screening than trying to plant trees or shrubs right back at the boundary. Perspective
If you do one at each side, it also suggests the garden is bigger than it is [an old design trick] and you can have a focal point where you have the swing just now, which also detracts from the neighbouring buildings.
You can also offset them - have one slightly wider than the other, if you prefer. It depends on the look you like best.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Looks like you've done a great job already. You're very lucky to have those oak trees - they're fantastic.
Not sure I can add any more to the good advice you've already had, other than maybe a potted bamboo on the right of the patio - if you have space?
What is the new tree that you've planted about halfway down on the left-hand side? Once that matures would it not provide enough screening for that side of the view?
I had actually considered a pergola at that point also so I think that’s something I’ll definitely plan on.
i think I spend a bit too much time ‘looking up’ and worrying about being overlooked, whereas if I have more interest at ground level I assume this may divert my attention from the buildings behind.
its quite shady on that left side, are there any good climbers that will flourish with a lack of sun?
I'm no expert, but if it is a cherry tree I believe they do grow to be quite large.
I'm terrible at identification but there are a few good apps out there that can help - not perfect, but can often help. I've found Candide to be very useful.