Add Privacy To Your Backyard Without Losing The Open Feel

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Your backyard should feel like a sanctuary where you can lounge, relax, play, and entertain. There are plenty of worthwhile backyard upgrades you can make to create this sanctuary feeling, but the most important one is privacy. Whether you're stretching outdoors or sharing a meal with loved ones, the last thing you want is a bunch of prying eyes on you during an intimate moment. That said, a massive privacy fence that blocks out neighbors and noise can leave you feeling too fenced in. If you're looking for ways to achieve peace and seclusion without taking away from the openness of your backyard, this DIY privacy nook can help.

Instead of fencing the entire perimeter of your yard, use a combination of plants and temporary fencing to build a small, intimate corner. This solution not only provides much needed privacy, it's also a chance to create a beautiful backyard landscape that will completely transform your space. Unlike a perimeter fence, this DIY project is a great way to create distinct hangout areas in your yard which comes in handy when you want to steal away for a private chat at your next outdoor gathering.

To build your backyard privacy nook, start by sourcing some old trellis or a few individual privacy screens to create a corner nook in your yard. Once you're happy with the placement, you can start adding flowers, shrubs, and other greenery to essentially create the walls of this nook. The key here is to mix in plenty of tall, dense plants that help cover you from anyone in adjacent yards or sidewalks while still letting in light and allowing you to enjoy the rest of your yard. Plants that work well for this project include, tall shrubs such as Common Juniper (Juniperus communis) and Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja standishii x plicata). If using trellis, climbing vine plants will also be a good addition here. For a pop of color try adding plants like Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii) or Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus).

In addition to planting things in the ground, you can add elements like raised garden beds and potted plants which provide good coverage but can be moved around the yard if needed. Adding comfortable patio furniture, umbrellas, or a DIY pergola to your private nook will help up not just the privacy but the coziness of your space. Don't be afraid to utilize elements that are already in your yard either. For example you can make your base around a tall tree or use the side of your house for partial coverage.