In this new age where many of us are spending a lot more time at home, clients have been looking for ways to create privacy in their outdoor spaces, especially in the city.

Container gardens can be a great screening mechanism for privacy. Tall rectangular containers planted with tall specimens is an effective combination. Plants that we have found to work well are Ligustrum “Texana”, or wax leaf privet. It’s a fast growing evergreen with glossy foliage and lovely white flowers in spring. Boxwood comes in many varieties and can be shaped easily if you want a modern, sculptural look. The Ilex “Sky Pencil” is a low maintenance evergreen plant that has a tall and narrow habit. Pittosporum ‘Tasman Ruffles” is a more unusual choice, with its open habit of blue green ruffled leaves on dark stems – planted in a row, the plants eventually grow into each other, creating a hedge that has a light, airy feel.