AIBU: garden fence/ privacy

[civilfawlty]

So. Recently moved house. Fence on either side of the garden is lower than normal, with trellis (but no plants growing up it on either side) so that EVERY SINGLE TIME I'm in the garden I get eye contact with neighbours and they start a conversation.

I know some people love this, but I want some privacy. I don't want a chat every time I'm outside. I also don't want to be rude, which is how it feels if I avoid eye contact.

I'd love to put up something higher, but a) it would cost loads and b) would seem really pointed I think.

What can I grow which will get me some coverage by summer. Are there other options? Could I add something to the top of the fence?

Do NOT plane Russian Vine it grows through everything. It invaded our shed it grew through the walls and roof, it is an absolute bugger to get rid of.

*Plant

Yes you need to be careful with it but if you're prepared to hack it down on a regular basis to keep it under control then it's OK.

Update: I planted several climbers, and have noticed the growth has... slowed. I checked, and my neighbour has been cutting then ends off so they don't grown on the trellis. We had a 'chat' about it over the weekend, in which I said I really do just want privacy, and if she continues to vandalise my plants, I will plant bamboo instead. Consequently, she has agreed to leave my climbers alone.

You will rue the day you planted Russian Vine anywhere.

Wear some iPod earphones in the garden, they don't have to be connected to anything.

Can I just say stop and take a breath. Terraces are like this, low fences mean everyone gets a sunny garden and you get very used to pretending you can't see each other. Nets/stick on frosting means no one can see into your kitchen. I lived in a terrace like this for twenty years through various neighbours with lovely low flint walls we all really grumbled about about the odd newcomer who put up fencing/trellising/bamboo and blocked everyone's Sun only to take it down/watch it rot whilst they didn't use there dark, dank garden. It might not be as bad as you think if it is trellising with clematis, honeysuckle, Jasmine will screen you quickly bamboo and Russian vine are both dreadful ideas in a small garden. Good luck with your new home enjoy.

She's been chopping your flowers? How cheeky! Well, glad you had a chat and she will leave it alone now.

Fwiw you can buy clump forming bamboo that does not take over your garden. I saw it in a specialist place. Having experienced the horrors of bamboo, I'm still not sure I would risk it!

Poor woman she's probably lost all her sunshine you've turned her garden into a tomb

Six foot fencing all the way. I was sick of hanging out my washing and having to make small talk over a 2 foot wire council thing. Got dogs, had to put up decent fencing. Sad shame.

Fuschias and buddleia, both quick growing; good cover for next summer if not for this.

If I was your neighbour I would prefer you changed the fence to a 6' one rather than grew two many plants which would grow on my side and need regular maintenance. I saw this because we have a border with our neighbour which is a small picket fence overgrown with trees, shrubs, plants, ivy and holly. It was there when we moved in but takes a lot of time and money to maintain it. Why don't you have a chat with them, you might be pleasantly surprised.

If I was your neighbour I would prefer you changed the fence to a 6' one rather than grew two many plants which would grow on my side and need regular maintenance

Providing the neighbour doesn't then plant bastard ivy on their side of the fence and allow it to wreck it! To be fair it's their fence but they don't have to look at the broken bits as it's covered by their ivy!

Funnily enough they did grow ivy on the panelled section and it has spread but I love our neighbours so that's a small price to pay.

2nd Russian Vine. Grows unbelievably quickly, doesn't self support/stick but is perfect for trellis, has pretty flowers, and is evergreen.

Haha this is like us and our neighbours, we pulled down a greenhouse that suddenly gave a lot of visibility between the gardens. We are currently both politely growing plants along the boundary to block each other!!!

Thanks for the helpful comments. I didn't mention Russian Vine (I've planted honeysuckle and clematis) and we have lovely south facing gardens so there is no issue with light. I am referring to the foot of fence which is built in trellis at eye height, making the garden feel very exposed.

Honestly, wind your neck in with the reactionary comments (specifically "poor woman... tomb" and so on). growl

I'm with you OP. We are currently trying to negotiate with our neighbours to replace the half fence half trellis with 6ft fence. Especially I want to be able to sit with a cuppa in my garden in my dressing gown the on a sunny morning in peace He was a bit miffed at first but coming around slowly.

We did 6' fence all round AND bamboo on one side, with climbers on the other. We had an elderly lady who would regale me with her childbirth stories, those of her daughters and any other random people she knew every time I went in the back garden, even if I had a friend around. I hated the intrusion. Like you FarAway, I can now wander around my garden in my PJs or whatever without feeling I'm under observation the whole time. There's even a small sun trap corner where I can sit and no-one can see me from either side, behind or from our house. It's bliss to sit there with a book and/or cuppa, when we have the weather.