Create Your Own Private Garden and Escape the World

A front yard is the face of a home, but for many, it is just a patch of grass or rock lawn. My own front yard was once a place for the kids to run around, a wide-open lawn where we played catch. But as the kids grew up and moved out, my wife, Lisa, and I started thinking about what we wanted from that space.

 

What we craved was a secluded spot, a personal resort right at home. Now, my morning routine begins in a private retreat, a quiet haven where the world fades away. A wall of towering Spartan Juniper provides a natural screen, its deep green needles creating a living boundary. The scent of a nearby Magnolia tree hangs in the cool morning air, a sweet perfume that signals a new day.

 

The centerpiece is a burbling fountain, a constant, gentle soundtrack to the morning. Birds of all kinds flock to its waters, splashing and frolicking with no fear. Hummingbirds, in particular, are bold and beautiful visitors, clinging to the side for a drink before they start their frenetic day. I can sit with my coffee and the morning paper, enjoying the peace. I can hear the neighbors walking their dogs. Still, the juniper hedge creates a sense of luxurious privacy, a feeling of being in our own world.

 

Creating a peaceful front yard retreat is something any gardener can do. It's about designing with purpose and selecting the right plants for the job.

 

My Top 5 Plants for Fast-Growing Privacy

When you need privacy quickly, choose the right plants. Here are my top five go-to plants for fast-growing screens here in the mountains of Arizona.

 

 

Arizona Cypress: This is the local champion of privacy. It's a tall, fast-growing evergreen with beautiful gray-green foliage that looks good year-round. Once established, it is very drought-tolerant and well-adapted to our challenging climate.

 

Colorado Spruce: Known for its striking blue-silver needles, this is a dense, upright conifer that provides a substantial screen. It's a very hardy tree that thrives in our mountain soils and holds its color through the coldest winters.

 

 

Deodar Cedar: This tree grows into a majestic, graceful specimen with soft, draping branches. It fills in quickly and provides a complete, lush screen. Its branches have a feathery texture and a beautiful, flowing habit that adds elegance to any landscape.

 

Upright Junipers (Spartan, Blue Point, Wichita Blue): These junipers are exceptional because they grow tall and narrow, making them perfect for tight spaces. They're reliable, low-maintenance, and offer a variety of green and blue shades to match your landscape design.

 

Austrian Pine: A rugged and tough evergreen, this pine has long, dark green needles and a dense, conical shape. It's an excellent windbreak, providing a thick, year-round screen. It tolerates poor soils and harsh conditions better than many other trees.

 

The Newest in the Watters Garden eBook Collection

 

The Secret Garden – Plants as a Natural Privacy Screen

Here are some of the highlights

• Layer your plants. A good privacy screen includes a mix of trees, shrubs, and even a few larger perennials to create a complete, lush look.

•  Add a water feature for a calming effect. The sound of moving water is naturally calming and helps to mask outside noises, such as traffic or distant conversations. My fountain attracts birds and other wildlife, turning it into a living, breathing part of the garden.

• Use fragrant plants to enhance the senses. A plant's scent can define a space. A Magnolia in the garden provides a lush, tropical feel and a sweet, heady fragrance. Other fragrant plants to consider for your garden are Gardenia, Jasmine, or an aromatic variety of Honeysuckle.

•  Start small and be patient. Transforming a lawn into a private garden is a long-term project. Begin with a few key plants and allow them to grow. The beauty only gets better with time.

What plants are you considering for your own private garden retreat?

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Order Your Spring Blooming Bulbs Fresh from the Farm

 

Order Deer and Javelina-resistant bulbs now to plant while the soil is warm and ensure vibrant spring blooms.

Every Saturday @ Watters Garden Center

Join us every Saturday morning at 9:30 AM for our free garden classes, right here at Watters Garden Center on Iron Springs Road in Prescott. August is packed with valuable insights to help your garden thrive!

 

October 11 @ 9:30 am - Making This Your Brightest Fall Ever  

October 18 @ 9:30 am Effortless Plants for Busy Gardeners

October 25 @ 9:30 am Shrub Design for Continuous Autumn Beauty

 Come learn something new and connect with fellow gardeners!

Until next week, I'll be helping gardeners plant their own privacy here at Watters Garden Center.