As someone who loves spending time outside, I've come to realise that having an outdoor space that's your own is always important, regardless of the weather. Even if I'm spending less time outside, privacy is something I will always desire.
No matter how big or small a space is (even the littlest balconies have a quiet power), I've come to realize that nothing beats a secluded garden; it allows you to enjoy all of nature without any interruptions.
One of the best ways to create a sense of privacy in a backyard, terrace, or balcony is through garden privacy planting. While I've long loved this clever method, it was Demi Moore's rather enviable terrace that made me fall in love with privacy planting once more. Shielded from the gaze of onlookers, a lush and natural border of plants encloses her garden just enough for it to feel secluded and sacred, rather than boxed in.
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Demi's apartment garden is effortlessly cool. Featuring retro loungers, a wicker chair (like the SEGERÖN Armchair from Ikea) and plenty of lush plants, it's a lesson in keeping your setup simple yet classic. It proves you don't need tons of pieces to have a thoughtful outdoor space that's magical in its own right.
A classic hotel-style design, this bold lounger is a stylish staple that's perfect for creating a laid-back, cool vibe on your terrace or garden. Demi's space features a duo of them, but even one is enough for an enviably chic space.
My top pick for a privacy plant is a vining hydrangea, and these ones from Amazon definitely live up to expectations. I adore the way the lush blooms drape over a sturdy vine.
Inspired by antique designs, fill these metal planters with your favorite shrubbery for a timeless look that takes inspiration from Demi's. For a truly authentic design, pair them with contrasting styles of pots and outdoor furniture for an eclectic space.
You'll notice a vintage Adirondack chair in the corner of Demi's balcony. A garden staple that's long been loved for its timelessness, it only adds to the inviting and welcoming feel of the space.
Japanese boxwoods are low-maintenance and offer lasting structure and elegance. They’re an excellent choice for gardening beginners and create effective privacy screens when planted in groups. Plus, their evergreen foliage ensures your home stays sheltered and vibrant throughout the winter.
This low-maintenance perennial comes back year after year, making it a reliable choice for any garden. Its delicate flowers are perfect for adding a splash of color to a vertical garden.
Fall might be in full swing, but whether I'm having a coffee on my doorstep or soaking up some evening air, the cold weather isn't stopping me from using my garden.
While a terrace allows you to enjoy beautiful city views, it can be tricky to create that secluded, tranquil feel. This is where low-maintenance privacy plants come in. From boxwood to yews, these easy-to-care-for varieties will shield your space from view.
Tenielle Jordison, Garden Content Editor at Homes & Gardens, explains, 'One of the biggest struggles for urban gardens, like Demi’s rooftop, is the lack of privacy. That’s what makes her use of trees to create a natural screen so clever. The potted trees provide height and a green backdrop to the space, offering seclusion and an escape from the city for her and her guests.'
Tenielle adds, 'The other benefit is that the canopies of the trees provide some shade, where rooftop gardens are often exposed to intense direct sun in the warmest months. I also love the raised bed Demi has incorporated to provide a bit of a border behind the seating area. Full of luscious foliage, including hostas and a burgundy acer tree, it transforms the space into an urban oasis.'
Demi's rooftop garden is a lesson in making the most of your space. It proves that even the most exposed terraces can be made to feel private and secluded, all made possible with some clever privacy planting.
