Enhancing Privacy in Your Garden: Evergreen Screening Options and Hedge Plants

Natural Green Screens Are The Way To Go

Privacy is a valuable aspect of any garden, providing a peaceful retreat and a sense of seclusion. Green screens and hedges offer a natural and aesthetically pleasing way to create privacy in your outdoor space. In this blog post, we will explore evergreen options suitable for screening and hedges, including the versatile arborvitae, classic boxwood, elegant ilex crenata, and other suitable plants. Whether you have a garden in Southeastern MA or any other location, these plants will help transform your space into a private sanctuary. We will also highlight the importance of using Espoma Biotone during planting and Hollytone for regular seasonal feedings to ensure optimal growth and health.

Evergreen Screening Options

Evergreen screening plants provide year-round privacy and act as a barrier between your garden and the outside world. Here are three evergreen options to consider:

1. Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Green Giant’): Arborvitae is a versatile and reliable evergreen tree known for its dense foliage and conical shape. ‘Green Giant’ is not only a fantastic choice for screening but is also deer resistant, making it well-suited for gardens where deer may be a concern. Planting arborvitae in a row creates a lush, vibrant green screen that offers both privacy and aesthetics.
2. Schip Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’): Schip Laurel, also known as Skip Laurel, is an excellent deer-resistant option for creating privacy screens. It thrives in shady conditions, making it ideal for shade borders. With its glossy evergreen leaves and dense growth habit, Schip Laurel provides an attractive backdrop while ensuring privacy in your garden.
3. Capata Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata ‘Capata’): Capata Japanese Holly is a compact evergreen shrub that works well for hedging and screening purposes. It is deer resistant and maintains its dense foliage even in shady areas. The upright, columnar growth habit of Capata Japanese Holly makes it suitable for narrow spaces or creating vertical interest in your garden.

Hedge Plants for Privacy

Hedges are an ideal way to define boundaries, create visual interest, and provide privacy within your garden. Here are a few additional hedge plants to consider:

1. Boxwood (Buxus): Boxwood is a timeless choice for hedges, known for its dense growth and small, glossy leaves. It is deer resistant and tolerates both sun and shade conditions. Varieties like ‘Green Velvet’ and ‘Wintergreen’ are popular options that can be easily shaped and maintained to create formal or informal hedges.
2. Holly (Ilex): Holly is a versatile evergreen shrub family with many species and varieties that make excellent hedge plants. Certain holly varieties, such as ‘Nellie R. Stevens’ and ‘Mary Nell,’ are deer resistant and offer privacy with their dense foliage and prickly leaves. They thrive in various light conditions and add visual interest with their vibrant berries.
3. Yew (Taxus): Yew is a slow-growing evergreen shrub that can be shaped into formal hedges or left to grow naturally for a more informal look. It is deer resistant and thrives in both sun and shade conditions. Varieties like ‘Hicksii’ and ‘Densiformis’ are commonly used for hedges, providing dense foliage and a classic appearance.

Planting and Maintenance Tips: To ensure the successful establishment and maintenance of your green screens and hedges, follow these tips:

1. Planting: Before planting, prepare the soil by incorporating compost or well-rotted organic matter. This helps improve soil fertility, drainage, and moisture retention. Dig a trench or individual holes, depending on the plant’s spacing requirements. Set the plants at the same depth as their original containers and backfill with soil. Water thoroughly after planting.
2. Maintenance: Regular watering and mulching are important during the establishment phase. Additionally, applying compost or organic fertilizers to the soil surface annually can provide ongoing nutrients and support healthy growth. Prune your hedges as needed to maintain their desired shape and density.

Conclusion: Green screens and hedges offer practical and visually pleasing solutions for enhancing privacy in your garden. Whether you choose deer-resistant options like ‘Green Giant’ arborvitae, Schip Laurel, Capata Japanese Holly, or classic options like boxwood, holly, and yew, these plants will transform your garden into a private sanctuary. Remember to incorporate compost during planting for improved soil health and provide regular care to maintain the vitality of your green screens and hedges. Enjoy the peace and privacy of your garden while being surrounded by the natural beauty of evergreen screens and hedges.