Using Landscaping to Create Privacy at Your Home

Your home is your sanctuary, and living in Florida means your yard can be an extension of that same comfort year-round. Whether you’re looking to create a more private retreat for your own enjoyment outdoors or looking to block views from nearby neighbors and buildings, there are many ways to build a lush, vibrant and secluded space that is yours and yours only.

Start small! No matter the size of your yard or outdoor space, choosing a defined area helps create privacy fast. Add a deck or stone pavers for an outdoor seating area and cover with a pergola, trellis or canopy. This space can not only provide shade on hot days, but it also doubles as a structure to hang plants or outdoor curtains — or better yet, to grow vines. Vines are versatile, and create vertical dimension and privacy that is both lush and beautiful (and many varieties smell delightful). Bougainvillea, Star Jasmine and Coral Honeysuckle not only tolerate the Florida heat, they’ll also withstand the cooler temperatures of winter in Northeast Florida. Many types of vines grow fast as they climb upward, toward the sun, and with a little tending, your vines will soon provide the coverage you need.

Screen with hedges. Hedges are definitely a more traditional option for privacy along fence lines, and look great in symmetrical gardens or softer, more natural approaches. If you live by the ocean or Intracoastal, the salt-tolerant and drought-resistant Clusia plant is a great option. With bright green paddle leaves, Clusia creates a thick hedge that can reach heights of 12 feet or more. It grows fast, and takes little to manage (just occasional trimming to shape). If you’re looking for something to take up a lot of space, Sweet Viburnum can grow up to twenty-five feet tall with a twenty-five-foot spread. This sweet plant creates a softer hedge, and has the added delight of fragrant flowers and vibrant berries. The Areca Palm, or butterfly palm, creates an airy and yet dense privacy screen, with palms growing 25 feet tall and 10 feet wide. They are high-wind resistant and the perfect backdrop for a backyard tropical paradise.

Think in layers. Staggering plants and varieties creates depth and dimension, adding what feels like more space and more of a secluded, private feeling in your yard. Curved beds have a meandering, gentler feeling and raised beds create more structure. Add visual appeal by varying sizes, shapes and heights and choose different textures and colors. The University of Florida has wonderful resources on gardening and planting in Florida, and can help you choose the best plants for your climate and space. And no matter what you’ve heard, bamboo can have its place in the garden – you just need to choose a clumping bamboo variety (running bamboo is the problematic varietal, spreading rapidly and can be invasive). When choosing a clumping bamboo, green bamboo is a favorite in Florida: it grows easily, withstands cold temperatures, reduces noise and grows tall fast. Graceful, Giant Timber and Fernleaf varieties are most popular in Florida.

With some dirt, sun, shade and a little sweat, the perfect private backyard is possible – and we here at Davidson Realty are here to help. Contact us today to find your perfect home, and yard, to transform into your perfect paradise. Call us at 904-940-5000 or email at info@davidsonrealtyinc.com.