Strategically placed structures
It is surprising how a visual lane will change after slightly modifying the elevation of the landscape. However, once the overall concept of the hardscaping has been laid out, it is then time to deal with the remaining visual lanes using lattice screens/privacy panels and/or plant materials.
Lattice screens are commonly used to create privacy in gardens. These do not need to be overwhelming walls; one or more panels can be used to block specific visual lanes. These screens look best when visually anchored into the landscape, either through the use of greenery to soften them or by tying them into decks or other structures made of similar materials.
From a design perspective, one of the benefits to using lattice screens is the size of their footprint, which makes them effective in narrow spaces as they do not occupy as much space as would a tree or berm.
Privacy lattice made of Western red cedar is the most popular. In time, this material weathers to a silvery grey and does not require staining or other maintenance. The gaps in the lattice screens (approximately 38.1 mm [1.5 in.]) are typically the same width as the lath (thin, narrow strips of wood used to form latticework). While a lattice screen will not provide the same solid feel as a wall or fence, they effectively close off any visual lanes—especially when covered with a hardy vine. Depending on the client’s tastes and budget, designs can be simple or fancy keeping in mind they should stay within the overall scale of the landscape design and be in keeping with the style of the garden being developed.
Another option for screening, where lattice or other wood privacy panels may not be appropriate, is using frosted glass with aluminum frames. This screening alternative will tie-in perfectly with matching railing systems and can be used to block a visual lane from an upper deck, where no other option is feasible. In cases where a removable privacy screen is desired, louvered or hinged panels, which can be retracted when not in use, can be incorporated into the landscape design.
Other structures to consider
Privacy can also be created by incorporating a gazebo and/or pergola into the landscape and closing off the sides with lattice or frosted glass. Both of these structures not only create a backyard destination, but can also be used to create a visual focal point in the garden. By properly incorporating one of these structures into the landscape, it can provide the client a private, tranquil space overlooking their garden and landscape.
Perhaps a fireplace is also part of the outdoor décor. Careful placement and design can make these structures the perfect addition for enhancing privacy. By incorporating a seating area to create a garden room and augmenting it with a few trees, the client would never know they were in suburbia.
Similar to this, the addition of a garden or pool shed also provides a great opportunity to increase backyard privacy. They can be positioned to block a visual lane or even incorporated into the overall entertaining concept by extending the roof coverage over part of the surrounding gathering space to create a cozy nook.
Another structure to consider, especially if noise is a factor, is a water feature. The sound of water is soothing and can help mask unwanted noise. They can be positioned near an entertaining area and do not have to be very large. Installing them against a wall or other structure will help to increase their effect by reflecting its sounds outward.
Privacy with plants
Plants are by no means secondary to structures; they work in concert and serve an important role by lending a soft texture to the landscape. Besides their effectiveness at visual blockage, plants, which come in a variety of eye-pleasing colours, also have a dense, soft texture that absorbs sound.
