NOW summer is officially here, Brits will be wanting to spend as much time as they possibly can in their gardens.
But with low fences and the neighbours window overlooking the backyard, finding some privacy may be a bit tricky for those wanting to relax in the sunshine.
And with the current cost of living, having to fork out on a new fence may not be doable for some.
However, a gardening fan has found just the trick to get some privacy without having to put in a lot of graft.
What’s even better is that it only costs £7.99, and it looks great all-year round.
The trick was discovered by Joanne Hetherington, who took to the Facebook group Gardening On A Budget Official, to ask for some advice on getting privacy in her garden.
She uploaded three different pictures of her garden, and wrote: “Can anyone recommend something to do with the back of my garden here.
“It backs on to a small carpark then those houses overlooking me. What you suggest pls to block them out..something to keep in with my tropical theme.”
Her spacious well-kept garden included a shed, pond with steps fitted in the middle, a colourful plant display, and cabana with seating area underneath.
However, she had a low fence at the bottom of the garden, and it is clear from the pictures that neighbours can overlook her outdoor space.
The post gained a lot of attention from other gardening fanatics, with many all suggesting one similar tip and that was adding bamboo pots next to the fence.
One posted a picture of what her privacy fence looked like after she added bamboo to her back fence.
This can cost as little as £7.99 from sites including Gardening Express.
Another agreed, and wrote: “I agree, bamboo. (I) kept (it) in pots which also makes them easy to move around ..can buy them 6ft tall.
Get down to the garden centre as I was just looking at their amazing red robins but they are expensive
Gardening fan
“Try B&M if they have an outside garden section, (or) even B&Q.”
A third also suggested: “Extra large pots of bamboo? As long as it’s in pots it’s fine, mine has grown 12 ft in two years, love your garden and maybe a few fatsia japonica too.”
Fatsia Japonica is a bright green plant that thrives in partial to full shade and prefers well-drained, fertile soil.
“Bamboo in large pots along the back fences,” a fourth said, whilst someone else added: “Black bamboo, tall zebrina grasses, and maybe some dogwood for a contrast of colour in pots.”
Fabulous’ Associate Editor and gardening enthusiast, Rebecca Miller, shared everything you need to know before planting bamboo in your garden.
“Certain varieties of bamboo are considered invasive in the UK as they can spread rapidly through underground rhizomes, making it difficult to control once established.
“If not properly managed, bamboo can also cause significant damage to gardens, structures, and local ecosystems.
“Before buying a bamboo plant, check with your local council there aren’t any restrictions.
“Then gardeners should choose a non-invasive specie, and take preventative measures such as using root barriers to contain the plant.
“Once planted, gardeners should regularly maintain the bamboo to prevent it from spreading uncontrollably – bamboo can grow 1.5 inches per HOUR.
“But be warned: You can be held liable if bamboo from your property spreads to a neighbour’s property and causes damage.”
Others suggested plants as well.
One wrote: “Lots of big pots with big plants that are going to grow tall.
“Get down to the garden centre as I was just looking at their amazing red robins but they are expensive.”
Another also suggested: “I got six lollipop red robin trees for £10 each.
“They were a bit sparse but we’ve bought them round and they’re doing well now. Don’t you just love a bargain.”
After everyone’s helpful comments, Joanne commented and said she is going to go with the bamboo option.
She wrote: “Thanks everyone. I’m gonna look into the bigger bushier types of bamboo.”
