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Privacy screening

cats26cats26 Posts: 4
in Garden design
Hi there. Looking for ideas for a privacy hedge where the area is extremely windy and I can only plant in pots?  Any ideas? Thanks jacqui 
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  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    Can you give a bit more information, such as whereabouts you are in the UK (a rough location will do), are you talking sun or shade, what sort of height do you need. That will help  :)
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited January 2023
     Hi @cats26 and welcome.Will your pots blow over or are they large ones? A grass called Calamagrostis Karl Foerster would be my suggestion. Go to Knoll Gardens website lots of photos and ideas. Lovely throght the winter, cut down in February and they regrow. You will have to lift and split every few years.
    Grasses are available in various heights they will need some sun or full sun.
    Calamagrostis Overdam is slightly shorter. If you go for plants two thirds the height of your pots they will look balanced.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • cats26cats26 Posts: 4
    They need to be large pots. Thanks will have a look on that site. :) 
  • cats26cats26 Posts: 4
    Hi Anni D

    We are north Glasgow On the Campsie hills. Looking gor shade. Probably about 6ft. It can get very windy and looking for something that could take it and not blow over. Thanks 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Forget grasses then @cats26. They'll just get knackered. 
    If you have big enough containers, you can grow a line of tough shrubs like Eleagnus, or Ilex etc, but unless they're at least a couple of feet in each direction, it isn't worth it. 
    It would be better to construct some containers - a decent joiner or brickie would make a row of them or a single raised bed. That would be much less work for maintenance.
    Pots are a waste of time - they'll just get cowped.
    Look at the weather here today for example  ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    If you plan to build containers as @Fairygirl has suggested, as long as they are deep and robust, bamboo could be an option for you to consider.  The container needs to drain well but should not have direct access to earth below, to prevent the bamboo from spreading.  If you buy good sized plants, they will achieve the height you are looking for quite quickly.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited January 2023
    Yes pots are a waste of time, now we know more about your plans. If cold winds are an issue you will need some very tough plants. Evergreens can be scorched by cold winter winds and it maybe that you will have to accept that and do some pruning in the late spring. @Fairygirl Will have a better idea of your conditions than I do. Love the word 'cowped' a new one for me.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    It's only just got to 4 or 5 degrees here @GardenerSuze, with sleet and gale force winds. It's worse further north   ;)
    If @cats26 is at a similar altitude to me [I'm only around 400 feet] and not in one of the smaller towns near/in the Campsies, then yes - something more substantial will be needed for shelter. Even straight sides pots can get toppled if they have top heavy planting in them    :)
    A bit more info will help, but I'd go with a decent evergreen or two, repeated, depending on the site - size etc. Any good hedging plant will be fine too, but the amount of room available is a factor.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    The wind is bitter here today with a lovely blue sky. Went out early doors and bought a long length green gilet [of course green] first item of clothing since 2019 other than a few on line items. Great to choose for myself no need to worry about sleeve length either [ I am tall].
    J Parker's catalogue arrived when I got back happy days.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • cats26cats26 Posts: 4
    Thanks guys for your help. Lots to think about . 
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