Not A Trellis, Not Hedges: How To Add Privacy & Pretty Plants To Your Small Space

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Figuring out how to block prying eyes from your small outdoor space can be frustrating. Everyone deserves to have some outdoor space they can relax in, but it's tough to really let your guard down when a neighbor can see directly into your area. While large yards can easily get cover from towering hedges or trees or even a tall fence, those options just aren't available when you're dealing with small spaces, like apartment patios. There's a solution, though: With a screen planter, you can easily create some privacy without breaking the bank.

Screen planters are typically a slatted wall with a box at the bottom where you can add plants. They are assembled at home, like flat-pack furniture, and you can just move them to your patio once you're done. And, they don't need to be permanently attached to your patio in any way, so you don't have to worry about losing your deposit. Planter screens come in a variety of colors and designs, making it easy to find something that matches your vibe. 

Overall, screen planters have a tidy and stylish look and can blend seamlessly in with your patio. Beyond privacy, these screens offer other perks, like adding shade to your patio on hot days and giving you a spot to add some lush greenery or even kitchen herbs if you like to cook. It's a great way to add privacy without losing an open feel, all while blocking out unwanted views. What's not to like about that?

Although you can opt to DIY your own screen planter if you have the means, finding a beautiful screen planter at a store isn't a difficult task if you know where to shop. You can find them at home improvement stores, local garden nurseries, and even online at stores like Amazonand Wayfair. Prices generally range from about $60 for simple plastic models up to around $250 for more premium materials like powder-coated metal.

Once you get yours set up, you can get to the fun part: customizing. These planters offer enough space for a variety of plants, but fast-growing climbing plants are one of the best choices, as they can scale the screen. This increases the amount of greenery and privacy and helps create an exotic garden vibe for you to enjoy. Options like star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) or trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) are beautiful and can quickly scale the screen. Having a living curtain of pretty plants can also help liven up the boring rectangle of your patio. 

Positioning is key to getting the most out of this setup. Place your planter strategically against a low balcony railing to block direct sight lines from the street. On a shared terrace, position the planter perpendicularly, like a stylish room divider. Now you have the perfect, private space to enjoy some dinner on your patio or curl up to read a book while feeling totally relaxed.