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| The backdrop of plants used for screening purposes around the pool |
Privacy around the garden, backyard or pool area is very important. Everyone wants to enjoy some family time without noise or neighbours snooping over the wall. Yes, we try to raise our fence and use vibracrete walls, but sometimes it can be unsightly and harsh to the eye. If you or your neighbour have that high wall already and want to soften it up there are options that can be used to create a screen using plants.
One needs to decide what kind of screen they want to use, a formal screen or an informal screen. A formal screen involves using single plant species e.g. Doyvalis caffra. While informal screen uses multiple species, the species can have slightly different growth forms that complement each other. The main thing to work with is the sightline. What does the overlooking person see from their garden, walkway or from the window? What I have learnt is that if we can see our neighbours from their garden that means they can see us too.
We can make use of shrubs as they provide gentle screening, especially for smaller gardens. If you prefer full privacy then trees are the next option provided you have space. But remember to check how the plants will look throughout the year.
Trees that are perfect for screening
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| Buddleja sp. used as a screen over the fence at UWC Nursery |
- Olea europaea subsp. africana
- Cussonia paniculata
- Doyvalis caffra
- Ilex mitis
- Diospyros whyteana
- Searsia pendulina
- Brachylaena discolor (makes an excellent hedge or windbreaker)
- Buddleja saligna (makes a beautiful clipped hedge).
Shrubs that can be used for screening
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| Bauhinia galpinii as a screen in conjunction with shrubs and trees |
- Searsia crenata
- Carissa bispinosa
- Buddleja salviifolia
- Strelitzia reginae
- Barleria obtusa
- Portulacaria afra
- Tecoma capensis
- Bauhinia galpinii
- Osteospermum moniliferum
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