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Adding privacy to low hedge

lucyp036lucyp036 Posts: 3
in Garden design
We have a 4ft privet hedge on the west facing side of our garden. We're happy with the existing height except for one area - just in front of the north facing wall that catches the evening sun and where we barbecue and eat. My initial idea is to place a 6ft x 6ft trellis against the hedge at this one section - potentially adding some climbers eventually. Would this trellis idea work? Or has anyone got any further suggestions? Although we want a little more privacy, we don't want to damage the hedge or restrict its access to sunlight. Growing the hedge is not an option - it's our neighbour's and he has been cutting it to the same height for decades... whereas we have just moved in.

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Yes - a little trellis screen would be ideal. Depending on how much room you have you could bring it 'forward' into your garden a little more, but privet doesn't mind some shade. Some of the easier clematis would work well, but there are other climbers which would also suit :)
    If you have a pic, that would be helpful. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    Always nice to read a sensible solution to the contemporary burning need for privacy. Unlike the usual 'I will plant thirty cypresses' that tend to rear its head in this forum. Thumbs up to trellis. 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • lucyp036lucyp036 Posts: 3
    @Fairygirl thanks  

    @amancalledgeorge thanks for that. We like the neighbour, but I don't always want to chat when drinking a G&T in the evening! 

  • rachelQrtJHBjbrachelQrtJHBjb Posts: 819
    Will it cause problems trimming the privet if a trellis is in front of it? 
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    I was going to say leave enough room to get behind the trellis to cut the privet.  It might grow a little thinner behind the trellis but it won't affect the neighbour's side.
    Another option would be to have a discussion with the neighbour about letting the first 6 foot or so length grow a bit taller - maybe you could offer to cut the top of that section as it will be harder work than cutting it at 4 foot.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    That's why I asked if there was room to bring it [the trellis] 'forward'.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • berginjim5berginjim5 Posts: 46
    lucyp036 said:
    We have a 4ft privet hedge on the west facing side of our garden. We're happy with the existing height except for one area - just in front of the north facing wall that catches the evening sun and where we barbecue and eat. My initial idea is to place a 6ft x 6ft trellis against the hedge at this one section - potentially adding some climbers eventually. Would this trellis idea work? Or has anyone got any further suggestions? Although we want a little more privacy, we don't want to damage the hedge or restrict its access to sunlight. Growing the hedge is not an option - it's our neighbour's and he has been cutting it to the same height for decades... whereas we have just moved in.
    a row of none invasive bamboo would let the light through and create a bit of privacy and movement in the breeze 
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