How to make your garden feel more private this summer

Now that the sun is shining and summer is in full swing, it’s the perfect time to take a little inventory of your garden and think about how you want to enjoy it over the coming months. Perhaps you love spending time outside, but feel that the walls or fences between you and your neighbours or the street don’t give you the level of privacy you’re after. Maybe your seating area feels a little exposed, or your small patio could benefit from a few simple changes to make it feel more secluded.

Whatever your garden looks like, adding a bit of privacy can make a huge difference, giving you a space you can relax in without feeling overlooked. Here at Welch Fencing, we have plenty of experience helping people with their gardens, and we know that even small changes, like adding garden fence panels, can make a big difference. So with that in mind, here’s a few ways you can make your garden more private this summer.

Use green screens and hedges

One of the easiest ways to make your garden feel more private is by using plants, and it has the added bonus of making the space feel greener and more welcoming. Fast-growing hedges like laurel, boxwood, or bamboo can quickly give you some cover without making your garden feel closed in or blocking out the sun. You can also use climbing plants such as clematis or honeysuckle on a trellis to add a bit of extra height. Even in smaller gardens, a few well-placed plants or a trellis can make a significant difference when it comes to blocking the view from neighbours or the street.

Install fencing or panels

If you’re after a quicker way to make your garden feel more private, garden fence panels or lattice screens are the simplest and fastest option. They work well for blocking views from neighbours or the street, and at the same time, they can help break your garden up into different zones, like a dining corner, a play space, or even a quiet nook to chill out in. To stop it looking too plain or heavy, you can soften the look with climbing plants, hanging baskets. Even in a smaller garden, the right fence can make things feel more enclosed and cosy, giving you a space that feels more like your own.

Add a pergola or garden canopy

A pergola or canopy is another excellent way to give your garden some structure while also making it feel more private. Putting one over a seating or dining area instantly creates a little “room” outdoors, helping it feel separate from the rest of the garden. You don’t need a huge space either; even a small pergola can make a big difference in a compact garden. To make it feel more cosy, you can let climbing plants grow up and over it, add string lights, or hang outdoor curtains to give a softer, sheltered look. The bonus is that it adds shade on hot days, too, so it’s practical as well as stylish. A pergola is one of those features that works hard in a garden – it adds height, gives you privacy, and makes the space feel more like an extension of your home.

Use outdoor curtains or shade sails

If a pergola feels like too big a project, outdoor curtains or shade sails are a quick and flexible way to get some privacy. They’re especially handy in smaller gardens, patios, or balconies where space is tight. Shade sails are simple to put up and can block out views from above or the side, while curtains give you the option of drawing them back whenever you want more light or openness. You can even mix them with planters or a trellis to build up extra layers of screening without making the space feel boxed in. The nice thing about this option is that it’s temporary, you can change things around as your needs or the seasons change, but it still gives you that sense of having your own private little corner outdoors.

If you’re thinking about how you could add a bit more privacy to your garden but aren’t quite sure where to start, we’re always happy to help. Not sure where to start? Our fence calculator makes planning your fence nice and simple. Whether it’s garden fence panels, pergolas, or something a little different, we can point you in the right direction. Feel free to take a look through our full range of garden products right here on our website, or if you’d prefer a quick chat, just give us a call on 01772 336 476. We’ll be more than happy to help you find the best solution for your space.