Ready to transform your outdoor world into a cozier, more private escape?
Cherry Laurel for Quick-Growing Coverage
If you’re on the hunt for privacy and you want it fast, Cherry Laurel is your new best friend. With its glossy, evergreen leaves and sweetly scented spring blossoms, it weaves a living wall in record time—ideal when you crave both beauty and seclusion.
I once worked with a newly married couple looking to shield their patio from a neighbor’s view. We chose Cherry Laurel, spacing each plant about three feet apart for optimal density. Within a single summer, their yard was transformed into a lush haven—just the spot for coffee at dawn or lively dinners with friends.
Cherry Laurel loves well-drained soil and partial shade, so take a moment to check your spot before planting.
Just imagine—your backyard, softly hidden behind a rich, fragrant hedge.
Why Choose Evergreen Arborvitae for Lasting Privacy?
Tall, dignified, and always green—Arborvitae isn’t just another shrub. It’s the answer for those of us who want a steadfast shield between our yard and the outside world. I recommend Arborvitae whenever a client asks for something that’s easy to care for, looks good in every season, and doesn’t mind a bit of shaping now and then.
Plant them about two feet apart for the thickest coverage, and remember—they can reach impressive heights with just a bit of patience.
There are so many ways to use Arborvitae to shape your landscape. Here are a few favorites from my designs:
- Create a “living fence” along the property line for instant privacy.
- Cluster three or four together to form a cozy nook around your patio.
- Line a driveway or walkway with Arborvitae for green drama (and a dash of elegance).
One of my clients, a family with a packed schedule, needed a low-fuss solution for their busy backyard. With Arborvitae, they gained the privacy they wanted without the fuss of constant pruning or cleanup.
Isn’t it wonderful when privacy means less work, not more?
Evergreen: Always Watching
Your garden’s privacy doesn’t ebb and flow with the seasons—thanks to evergreens, the coverage is always there, quietly working in the background.
Your steadfast guardians never take a day off.
4. Add Texture with Euonymus
When you want to spark a little textural magic in your privacy planting, Euonymus always delivers. Its variegated, sometimes glossy, sometimes matte leaves create depth and movement—especially when the breeze stirs those patterned edges. Whether you opt for a creamy-and-green variety or a golden-flecked one, this shrub’s versatility is a treat for both traditional and modern gardens.
Do you ever find yourself craving more contrast between your plants? Euonymus is the answer.
Last spring, I worked with a young couple who felt their backyard was falling flat. We added a row of Euonymus where sunshine dappled through their fence—suddenly, everything felt more layered and alive. The best part? These shrubs don’t demand much. They thrive in sun or partial shade, and their low-maintenance nature means more time for outdoor relaxing, less fussing with a watering can. Try pairing Euonymus near darker evergreens to let its variegation really pop.
A little texture goes a long way—don’t be afraid to mix and mingle!
5. Privet for a Classic Hedge
There’s a reason privet hedges remain a favorite after all these years—they radiate timeless beauty and provide effortless structure for any outdoor space. The dense foliage gives you privacy, while its forgiving growth lets you shape or trim to your heart’s content.
I once helped a client restore a neglected privet hedge, and with regular snips in late spring, it bounced back with rich, healthy growth. Sometimes, a little classic care brings out the best!
6. Red Tip Photinia for Bold New Growth
If your privacy screen needs a dash of drama, Red Tip Photinia delivers with its bursts of ruby-red new leaves. This shrub grows quickly, providing shelter and a show—all in one. Use it to brighten up a monotone hedge or to create a lively focal point along a garden path.
Let your garden show off a little—Photinia is pure fun!
7. Hedged Borders for a Cozy Enclosure
Imagine stepping out into your own backyard and feeling instantly embraced by a cozy enclosure of lush, living greenery. Tall hedged borders can transform any outdoor area into an inviting retreat, not just providing privacy but also a sense of gentle seclusion. I always suggest choosing a blend of evergreen and deciduous shrubs so you’ll experience year-round texture, movement, and even the occasional burst of flowers.
When I worked with a family dreaming of a play-friendly garden, we mixed evergreen holly with flowering viburnum—a combination that brought playful color, dense coverage, and even visits from neighborhood songbirds. The result? A living wall that sheltered the space while inviting nature in. Try planting in a slightly curved line rather than a rigid row; the effect is softer, more organic, and endlessly welcoming.
Who wouldn’t want a living wall that greets you with birdsong?
Remember: spacing your hedges thoughtfully now makes all the difference later. Let them grow and knit together, and before you know it, your garden will feel like a snug, secret room—where only laughter and the rustle of leaves can reach you.
8. Surprising Color with Chinese Fringe Flower
Thinking about adding unexpected color to your green backdrop? Chinese Fringe Flower is a standout choice that never fails to surprise with its bold blooms and burgundy leaves. Here’s how it can transform your space:
- Plant it as a specimen in a prominent corner for luminous impact.
- Let it mingle with leafy shrubs to create contrast and depth.
- Use it to mark transitions between garden “rooms”—it’s delightfully dramatic!
Sometimes a burst of color catches you off guard and makes you smile. Wouldn’t it be lovely to be surprised by beauty every time you step outside?
9. Natural Beauty with Beautyberry
Few things say natural beauty quite like the cascading branches and sparkling, vivid purple berries of Beautyberry. This shrub creates a lush screen that looks completely effortless and wild—exactly the kind of privacy that feels both inviting and a little magical.
Is there anything more charming than spotting a flock of finches feasting outside your kitchen window?
I once worked with a client who loved wildlife but worried about winter color. We planted Beautyberry along her fence, and come late autumn, the berries glowed against the bare branches—drawing birds and brightening even gray days. And because Beautyberry is happy with minimal fuss, you get lasting seasonal interest with very little maintenance. Plant a few together and watch the show unfold, season after season.
10. Create a Living Wall with Holly
There’s a reason holly feels so timeless in the garden—those glossy leaves and festive berries instantly evoke a sense of celebration and comfort. But beyond their beauty, holly shrubs are unmatched when you want to build a dense privacy wall that is as practical as it is pretty.
I often suggest holly to clients who crave both low-maintenance structure and classic charm. One city family I worked with loved how a living holly screen brought instant Christmas spirit, even in July! For best results, space your hollies according to their mature spread (some varieties like ‘Nellie Stevens’ can grow fast), and prune just after they finish blooming to keep their shape crisp. And don’t forget: male and female plants are needed for those iconic red berries!
The rich green foliage forms an enduring backdrop for other plants, while the cheerful berries carry color through winter’s greyest days.
Planting holly isn’t just about blocking out the neighbors—it’s about inviting beauty and wildlife into your space all year long.
11. Juniper for Versatile Privacy
Junipers make a smart and adaptable choice for anyone craving evergreen privacy that flexes to fit nearly any garden style. With options from blue-green columns to low-spreading mats, they’re surprisingly versatile.
I recommend choosing juniper varieties according to sun exposure—some thrive in full sun, while others handle partial shade beautifully.
Your living privacy can truly match your space.
12. Embrace the Romance of Lilac
If you’ve ever dreamed of a romantic retreat hidden beneath clouds of fragrant blossoms, let me introduce you to lilac. There are so many delightful ways these shrubs transform a space:
- They weave a lush wall of greenery for genuine privacy
- Their colorful blooms turn any path into a springtime celebration
- Each gentle breeze carries their intoxicating scent—absolutely transformative!
Imagine stepping outside one morning, coffee in hand, to be greeted by clusters of soft purple and white flowers.
When Sarah, a client with a busy household, asked for a “reading nook dream,” we planted a lilac hedge that now shields her corner from the world—and scents her summer afternoons. Keep your lilac thriving by pruning just after it finishes flowering, and don’t hesitate to plant a variety for longer bloom times.
Some spaces simply deserve a little romance.
13. Forsythia for a Burst of Spring Color
There’s nothing quite like the moment Forsythia erupts into a blaze of golden blossoms just as winter fades. It’s as if you’ve rolled out a yellow carpet that welcomes spring right up to your door. If you’re craving instant cheer, this is the shrub that won’t disappoint.
Have you ever noticed how much lighter your mood feels when you glimpse those first sunny blooms?
I once helped a family who wanted to make their morning walks to the mailbox more joyful. We planted a winding path lined with Forsythia, shaping it with gentle pruning to keep the hedge both lush and tidy. Every spring now, they tell me the walkway glows like sunshine itself. It reminds me: gardens are for making memories, as well as for privacy.
Tip: To keep Forsythia flowering its best, prune just after it blooms—old wood carries next year’s flowers. Consider placing Forsythia where morning sun will ignite its color, perhaps near a window where you sip your coffee. Sometimes, a little planning leads to a lot of delight.
Let your hedges do the smiling after a long, gray winter.
14. Hydrangeas for a Floral Privacy Screen
Hydrangeas are the secret ingredient when you want your boundaries to become a breathtaking border.
- Adjust soil pH for the color you crave—pink, blue, even shades of violet.
- Sheer size and fullness guarantee lush privacy all season long.
- No green thumb? These beauties are surprisingly forgiving with a little regular watering.
It’s like having living bouquets as your fence line.
Imagine relaxing behind billowy blooms, knowing your backyard is as beautiful as it is secluded.
15. Mock Orange for a Fragrant Retreat
What does privacy *feel* like in your garden? With Mock Orange, it can feel like stepping into a cloud of sweet citrus blossoms—each breeze carrying a promise of relaxation.
Sometimes all you need for a fragrant escape is a little strategic planting.
One of my favorite projects was with a client who loved to read outdoors. Together, we created a secluded nook bordered by Mock Orange, right beside her favorite bench. Each evening, she’d tell me how the scent turned a simple storytime into a special ritual. Consider planting Mock Orange near patios or windows, so its perfume drifts right where you unwind. Isn’t it amazing how a scent can shape a space?
16. Create Layers with Mixed Plantings
There’s something magical about the way different plants mingle and weave together in a garden. Mixing shrubs of varying heights, foliage textures, and even leaf colors can transform a flat space into a vibrant, multi-dimensional haven.
Imagine your garden as a living tapestry—the more layers, the richer the story it tells. I once worked with a wonderful pair of artists who wanted to block out a nearby street without feeling boxed in. We started with tall evergreens at the back, then staggered medium flowering shrubs, and tucked in wispy grasses at the front. The result? Not just privacy, but a dynamic space they love to wander through.
Layering isn’t just about function, it’s about creating visual depth. Try combining upright, bushy, and trailing plants. When the seasons shift, so does the view—new blossoms and textures make every stroll a fresh delight.
Isn’t that the cherry on top of any garden design?
A garden that offers discovery at every glance is truly unforgettable.
17. Natural Landscaping for a Relaxed Feel
Embracing natural landscaping is like letting your garden exhale. Instead of strict lines and rigid shapes, soften your borders by allowing shrubs, wildflowers, and native grasses to intermingle. The effect is soothing, inviting, and always a little bit wild.
If you’ve always wished your backyard felt more like a nature walk than a showroom, this is for you. Pick just a few native plants and let them sprawl a little. Notice how the birds and butterflies are drawn in, and enjoy the low-maintenance beauty. Is there any better feeling than knowing your garden is as relaxed as you are?
18. Framing Entrances with Tall Shrubs
A row of tall shrubs is the ultimate green invitation. They guide the eye, buffer noise, and set the mood for what lies beyond.
Can you imagine stepping through a leafy archway into your own sanctuary?
19. Structured Planting for Defined Spaces
Defining your garden’s flow can be as simple as letting shrubs lead the way. Whether you line a winding path with glossy-leafed evergreens or gently shape living walls to separate spaces, thoughtful planting brings both order and beauty.
Have you ever looked out at your yard and wished for a little more structure, but not too much formality? Structured planting offers the perfect compromise. It allows you to carve out designated zones for play, conversation, or cultivating your favorite herbs, all while still feeling open and free. I once worked with a family who longed to distinguish the kids’ play corner from their peaceful reading nook. Using a vibrant hedge, we created a gentle buffer, ensuring privacy—without closing anyone off from sunlight or laughter.
Remember: shrubs aren’t just boundaries—they’re invitations to explore.
Next time you’re planning an outdoor refresh, consider how a cluster of shrubs might shape your experience. A strategic border can define a cozy dining area or frame a secret garden seat. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination.
20. Boxwood for a Formal Touch
Boxwood is the little black dress of the garden world—timeless, polished, and endlessly adaptable.
Trim these shrubs into crisp hedges, plush spheres, or intricate knots for a sophisticated frame around patios, walkways, or even a bold front entrance. Does your garden crave a little classic charm? Let Boxwood set the mood.
