When it comes to clever planting to ensure privacy, celebrity homes are the best place to source inspiration. They want their homes to be secluded sanctuaries that offer an escape from the busy world, and also want them to be beautiful and aspirational spaces in which to spend time. Take, for instance, the Sunset Strip home where Jennifer Aniston lived during the early seasons of Friends.
The actress's former Spanish-style Los Angeles home is a study in using plants for privacy. It is adorned with gorgeous English ivy crawling up the front, and accented with small bushes to create dimension. Pink and red flowers bring a tropical pop.
To explore Jennifer's look and its benefits, Homes & Gardens spoke with a variety of garden experts about the evergreen climbers we see in her former front yard. We also curated an edit of the best plants and tools you can use to recreate the look. According to our resident master gardener, Rachel Bull, ivy like Jennifer's is as functional as it is pretty.
Rachel explains that planting English Ivy, like Jennifer's, helps to naturally cool buildings in the heat of summer. She states: 'Ivy leaves create a canopy that prevents direct sunlight from hitting walls. By stopping the brick from acting as a heat sink, heat doesn't radiate inside later in the day.' If you live in a warm climate and want to save money on Air Conditioning bills, this sounds like a pretty good option.
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Climbing plants are gorgeous, but they require pruning and other regular maintenance to keep them looking fresh. These are our favorite tools for growing them in style.
This classic ivy is a beautiful choice for recreating the look of Nicole Kidman’s home. Its deep green color and natural climbing habit make it ideal for adding height and interest to vertical garden spaces.
This set is ideal for beginners, providing all the essential tools needed to get started with gardening this spring at an affordable price. Designed to withstand the elements, these tools will look good all summer long.
This beautiful, verdant ivy plant would be the perfect complement to a wild garden. It looks gorgeous climbing on an antique-style white house. There are enough seeds in the pack to ensure you create a beautiful display.
Martha's versatile garden cutting set makes every spring task effortless. With a Hori Hori knife, a serrated edge knife, and convenient carry options, digging, weeding, and slicing are always within easy reach.
Tend your spring garden with ease with these dual-sided gloves. Designed for planting, pruning, and weeding, they keep hands comfortable and protected while you cultivate every bloom and vegetable with care.
These Felco pruning shears have hardened blades for effortless trimming in your yard, making light work of tough rose pruning jobs. They're essential in every kind of garden.
Furthermore, planting a green wall, as we see here is the perfect option for prioritizing privacy in a small backyard. Growing up instead of out allows you to protect your home, while creating a beautiful display.
Designer Nina Lichtenstein advises: 'For smaller backyards or vertical privacy, climbing plants like ivy, clematis, or wisteria can transform a fence or trellis into a green wall. For a more fragrant option, consider star jasmine or honeysuckle, which add both privacy and fragrance.'
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