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Much need Privacy / creating a greener look

karen6rdkaren6rd Posts: 8
in Problem solving
I have a wrap around garden which is need of inspiration. It's sadly now has the view of a new build down one side. The developer took down the very high conifers and replaced with close board fencing. I'm looking for some ideas in doing the following:

* Increase privacy (as there are two small bathroom windows which could look down on our side patio area)
* Plant some lovely plants / shrubs down the side which create depth, look interesting and fairly easy to maintain

The area in question is 14m in length. The depth is approx 5m. However 3 m is already covered by patio and planting on the other side. We are thinking of extending our patio and putting planters down the side. 

I'm thinking bamboo may be a suitable to plant in front of the windows. However, i am a bit worried about the spread. What would i have to do with clumping form to ensure it doesn't spread?

In addition, what can i plant next to bamboo, either side of it so it blends in well with bamboo. 

Any thoughts or inspiration would be much appreciated :)

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Posts

  • K67K67 Posts: 2,506
    If you can post a few photos of the area it does help with suggestions.
    How tall do you want to go?
    Maybe a pergola might help with privacy but do need photos.
  • BijdezeeBijdezee Posts: 1,484
    Don't buy fargesia rufa, extremely slow growing and doesn't seem to reach any height. Maybe my experience of it is unusual but its been a disappointment.

    Any chance of pics to get an idea of the problem? 


  • dappledshadedappledshade Posts: 1,017
    Spreading bamboo is always going to be hard to contain.
    I agree that a pergola may be a good idea, particularly if the two small windows overlooking you are on upper floors, looking down.
    Without photos it’s hard to say what may work though.
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    Bathroom windows are usually obscure glass so shouldn't really be a problem. You could always plant bamboo in big containers.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    I'd say your neighbours will be more concerned about someone being able to see into their bathroom so it's highly likely that they'll do something to block the view anyway.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • karen6rdkaren6rd Posts: 8

    Hi all,

    I was meant to add in photos to this last night, however my phone battery died. See below. I'm extending the patio as shown by brown arrows and removing the brick.

  • karen6rdkaren6rd Posts: 8
    .
  • rachelQrtJHBjbrachelQrtJHBjb Posts: 819
    Could you possibly indent the patio extension, leaving a planting square to take a decent tree that would obstruct line of sight from their windows to yours? Or give the patio a slightly staggered edge which creates space for decent-sized shrubs? I have a Cotoneaster cornubia which I selectively remove mature stems from so that it has a slightly more open habit. It makes a large shrub/small tree.
  • karen6rdkaren6rd Posts: 8
    Hi RachelQrtJHBjb, 

    I have thought about this, i'm just trying to work out a design and has enough space to house a tree / large shrubs. I definitely like the idea, thanks :)
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    A pleached hornbeam hedge would fit the space as-is. I think ready trained panels with a 1.8m clear stem start from about £200, but you could always pleach your own using young bare root trees.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
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