PRIVACY PLANTINGS
Layer by Layer
This month, we're exploring a request every garden designer hears eventually: PRIVACY PLANTINGS.
Privacy is rarely as simple as a single row of shrubs along the property line. When we design for privacy, we're not just blocking a sightline...we're shaping how a space feels, and screening a view is only half the equation. The other half is the garden room that planting creates for the people standing inside it.
In this month's guide we'll explore several ways to think through a privacy planting together...from reading a site's actual sightlines to layering for depth, choosing evergreen versus deciduous, and getting height and scale right. We'll also look at growth rate trade-offs, how planting choices can buffer sound (not just views), and how hardscape and plants can work together rather than plants doing it all alone.
Whether you're designing for a client or your own outdoor space, this guide will help you turn a simple screen into an intentional, well-considered layer of the garden.
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The garden above was designed by Theo Margelony in Portland, Oregon, the garden bottom left was designed by Craig Bergmann in Lake Forest, Illinois and the garden bottom right is at the Chicago Botanic Garden.
GOODNESS FOR YOU THIS MONTH
Below you will find several items to help you learn more about PRIVACY PLANTINGS. From written words to video to applied activities to our Design Library to group discussions. Explore our topic from different angles and gain a new perspective. Click below to download a PDF of your Garden Design Guide and activity. Further down you will find a video and links to our community, plus our live Monthly Meetup!
VIDEO: DESIGNING A PRIVACY PLANTING
This video shows how I design and draw a privacy planting in both section and elevation.
RESOURCES in our DESIGN LIBRARY
Below are some past Garden Design Guides to help you with this month's topic.
FORM + TEXTURE + COLOR
This Garden Design Guide provides an elements of planting design overview and how these are important to the plant composition as a whole.
DESIGNING IN ELEVATION
When you view your design in elevation (as if you’re standing in front of it) it’s easier to understand the space and be able to visualize yourself in it. This is a great tool when choosing plants for the front yard.
THE VERTICAL PLANE
Vertical planes aren’t just fences or walls…they include trees, shrubs, hedges, arbors, and even subtle changes in grade. They define boundaries, support function, and reinforce the style of your garden.
TEMPLATE LIBRARY
Are you looking for some furniture, planters or people to add to your drawings? Check out some options below.
OUR COMMUNITY
Don't forget to hang out with us this month.
Check in to share your activity. Try it yourself and/or learn from the submissions of your peers. No need to stress. Just enjoy!
ACTIVITY:
Privacy Planting Design
This month, you'll find an inspiration photo, plus explore designing your own privacy planting. Choose one or do both. Submit your activities below.
Do you have a question?
Do you have a question on this month's topic or another design question? Let's all learn together!
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Click below to add it to our community.
Moved closer to a goal?
Share your win with us.
Tell us what you’ve done this month that got you one step closer to your dream...we’re ready to celebrate with you!
LIVE SESSIONS
We have one Monthly Meetup this month. This will be recorded in case you can't make it (then posted right back here). Check out all UPCOMING MEETUPS here.
Monthly MeetUp
Let's catch up on this month's topic, plus share our activities. I can't wait to see you!
Tuesday, September 29
2 PM PT | 3 PM MT | 4 PM CT |5 PM ET
London: 10 PM BST
Sydney: September at 7 AM AEST
Design Discovery Session
Click below to sign up for a Design Discovery Session with me and three of your peers. We'll use this time to learn about your design journey and help you navigate our Design Library.
Upcoming Dates:
October 20 at 9 AM US Central
November 4 at 2 PM US Central
If these times don't work, I'll post more soon or write me at hello@papergardenworkshop.com to set up a time that works for you.
I'd love your feedback once you've devoured all this goodness.
Drop me a note at the email below and let me know what you loved and what could be improved. Thank you!
Please contact me at hello@papergardenworkshop.com
