Whether it’s for peaceful privacy, cool shade, or clever coverage, the use of screening and privacy plants is a popular choice among Triangle homeowners. And why wouldn’t it be? After all, these double-duty plants add warmth and charm while acting as a calm and cool concealer for every outdated fence, trash-bin station, or garden hose reel. But which plants are the best picks for privacy, garden fences, and more? We’ve narrowed down some of our top choices for mother nature’s green screen.

Evergreen Screens

When it comes to privacy, evergreens make the perfect screens. In North Carolina, arborvitae evergreen shrubs or arborvitae green giants are a popular choice. Plant these in the fall or winter and you’ll have it made in the shade by summer. Other great choices include evergreen broadleaf shrubs like hollies, or flowering vines like Star Jasmine. As always, be sure to space out your tress, shrubs, and vines according to the individual growth habit of the plant type.

Breathtaking Barriers

Tall and feathery grasses are some of the most breathtaking barriers for every type of home. Their wispy foliage flows gracefully through each breeze, making them a prime pick for privacy. Varieties include pampas, switchgrass, Indian grass, and fountain grass.  Adding them into your landscape will provide the perfect blend of privacy and beauty.

Prompt Privacy

Sometimes we just can’t wait to conceal a neighbor’s rusty shed or disguise our trusty compost area. For those looking for fast-growing options, honeysuckle, euonymus, and bamboo make great choices for privacy pronto! Just be sure to size it up and space it out. You’ll definitely want to avoid the pitfalls of overgrowth or invasive roots, especially near drains or a neighbor’s yard.

Lovely Layers

For gardeners, a common piece of advice is to always add spice. Mix it up with various textures and colors. For screening plants, add-in textures can include the Japanese plum yew or plum cedar, Cherry Laurel, or taller varieties of flowering plants like lavender and rosemary.

Grow Steady

While the goal is to create privacy, it’s just as important to manage the growth of your lovely new landscape. You can always lean on the pros at Garden Supply Company for tips, advice, or choosing the best plants for your home.  We can also provide full-service landscape design and installation, professional horticulture advice such as plant/tree identification, soil questions and more.  Stop into our store during regular store hours to talk with one of our landscaping experts.

About Garden Supply Company

Some people are born with green genes or a knack for nature in their blood. More than two decades ago, Keith Ramsey started a landscape and design firm in Cary, NC. From the ground up, the firm–then known as Environmental Design and Management–transformed from a small, three-man business to what it is today. Today, Garden Supply Company celebrates over 20 years of growth and employs more than 40 team members who share their passion for all things green. We carry quality plants, and reputable products and work hard for our customers. Visit our gardens and greenhouse today and go local, grow local!