Fences can be a pain to install, and sometimes, they’re not that aesthetically pleasing. But open gardens do not ward off the nosy neighbors. Is there a way to make a secret garden that’s secluded yet still naturally eye‑catching—to get the best of both worlds? The answer is yes, and it starts with S: Shrubs.
Green Giant Arborvitae
Lush and green, the green giant variety of arborvitae grows fast and can provide privacy for a whole year. This shrub is best for those who prefer a low‑maintenance yet sturdy hedge. To maximize its beauty and lifespan, it is suggested to space them out properly to prevent overcrowding.
Bamboo
For impatient garden owners, bamboo is the best option because it grows extremely fast, with some expanding up to three feet a day. It is also preferable for warm climates that suit an exotic garden. The downside is that it can be invasive; that’s why it’s suggested to choose clumping bamboo instead of the running variety.
Boxwood
This shrub gives a more classic and elegant feel because its hedges can be customized into neat shapes. Boxwood is best for traditional and formal garden landscapes, although it can be arduous to grow because of its slow expansion rate. Because it looks best when manicured, this shrub also needs constant trimming to be maintained.
Holly
Holly plants are best for gardens that need to be closed off to wandering animals and intruders because of their thorny leaves. For a more aesthetic hedge, female holly plants should be considered because they grow bright red berries in contrast to their green leaves, although a male plant should also be planted for pollination.
Privet
Privet shrubs make a classic, stereotypical hedge that’s commonly seen in the movies. Their growth rate rivals that of bamboo, making them perfect for gardens that need a thick and lush hedge quickly. However, for the same reason, they need regular trimming to prevent them from growing out of shape.
Yew
This evergreen is perfect for those looking for a good investment with little to no maintenance needed for their formal and private gardens. It has dense, green needles that grow thick and tall over time with proper grooming. Yew plants grow slowly, but they make up for their longevity and resistance to drought.
Cherry Laurel
A private garden does not need to be plain to be effective. Cherry laurel shrubs take care of both aesthetics and privacy with their glossy green leaves and fragrant white flowers. This shrub also grows fast, making it ideal for those looking for a quick and pretty solution. For a cherry laurel hedge to thrive, it’s best to be placed somewhere that gets full sunlight or partial shade.
Viburnum
A garden is not complete without flowers, and viburnum can help with that. Viburnum hedges are dense and fragrant, perfect for those seeking undisturbed peace. It also blooms seasonally and may attract birds if its cherry‑bearing varieties are planted. This shrub can stimulate all the senses, from its aesthetic floral look to the songs its bird visitors sing.
Red Tip Photinia
This plant is ideal for those looking to add a pop of color to an otherwise plain green hedge. Its red color perfectly contrasts with the dark green of its mature leaves, and on top of its aesthetic value, it is also fast‑growing—capable of reaching up to 36 inches a year.
Forsythia
If photinia blooms red, forsythia flowers emerge yellow. It is also one of the first bloomers in spring, a perfect hallmark of seasonal change. Aside from its cheerful appearance, forsythia also excels in its annual growth rate, which amounts to 40 centimeters. To maintain it, forsythia is recommended to be pruned immediately to maximize freshness.
Wax Myrtle
A secret garden along the coast calls for wax myrtle. This sturdy shrub is tolerant of salt and warmth, making it perfect for gardens along the beach and in humid places. One of the more active shrubs on this list, it grows three to five feet a year. It also produces tiny waxy berries amid its fragrant foliage, which can be used to make bayberry candles.
Firethorn
For maximum security and aesthetic appeal, one can never go wrong with a firethorn hedge. This shrub is thick and thorny with bright orange or red berries that birds enjoy but can be poisonous to humans. It grows at an average rate of up to 1.6 feet a year and responds well to heavy pruning. For an elevated look, firethorns can be trained to climb on walls and trellises.
Nellie Stevens Holly
This woody evergreen is low‑maintenance and resistant to drought and diseases. It is a hybrid between English and Chinese holly, accidentally created by its namesake. This shrub grows dense and strong, which is perfect for uninterrupted solace in the backyard. Moreover, Nellie Stevens holly thrives in both sun and shade.
Japanese Pittosporum
This shrub is ideal for small yards in warm climates because of its bushy nature. It is dense and thick in its mature form, allowing for maximum seclusion. It also has glossy leaves that add texture to its appearance. Its optimal display occurs in the springtime when small, aromatic flowers emerge from its stems.
American Hornbeam
This shrub can serve as a colorful hedge that changes colors throughout the seasons, perfect for those who want an adaptable private garden. In the summer, it boasts thick green foliage that turns red‑orange in the fall. However, it is a deciduous plant that sheds its leaves in the winter. With proper maintenance, regular pruning, and unwavering patience, American hornbeams can grow into neat hedges over time.
