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Gorgeous garden - at the front

17 replies

CatsForLife · 17/07/2023 11:52

We are looking to buy a house (semi) on a decent-sized plot but the main garden area is at the front. Lawned, with a low-ish fence between next door’s front garden (their main garden) and same fence bordering the street (cul de sac). The back garden is quite dark and small, although bigger than what we have now (small back yard). I’m not sure it’s a dealbreaker for me, but DH seems to be talking about getting it fenced off asap. I think and thoughtful planting might work. He says it’s a big garden to put work into when you can’t properly enjoy it because it’s not private enough. I suppose I just want to know if anyone has any experience of their main garden at the front and how they have made it private? I think you can only have a fence of 1m max at the front. It’s the only downside to the house - the space inside is great (needs work though) and location is really good. I don’t want to regret going for it - but don’t want to regret not going for it either, as properties where it is rarely come up for sale.

OP posts:
fridaynight1 · 17/07/2023 13:02

Put a hedge in, there aren't the same height restrictions for hedges.

putthehamsterbackinitscage · 17/07/2023 13:11

Definitely hedge, but preferably mix off hedging to give some fabirat for wildlife ... use mixed hedging - Hawthorne, blackthorn plus some beech, hazel, wild rose etc.... will give you a barrier that will get thicker and prettier over time ...

If DH wants a fence then maybe something more temporary like bamboo screening for a year or two?

putthehamsterbackinitscage · 17/07/2023 13:11

Habitat .... obviously

Dox9 · 17/07/2023 13:14

Yes agree with pp, high hedge and good solid gates will sort it. I have a friend who did this at their house which was a corner plot with tons of space at the front and sides but only a yard at the back. It was very nice and private.

Dontletsummerend · 17/07/2023 13:18

Whats the road like to the front?
I know of a few people with bigger gardens out front. I’m not sure use them any less but then they have big hedges for privacy so no different. One has a drive so you have to think about ball games and parked cars but that’s all really.

itsallnewnow · 17/07/2023 13:19

Needs to be a hedge there are rules on fence heights to front usually

CatsForLife · 17/07/2023 13:22

Thanks for all this, looks like it’s a hedge then. Good idea on mixing it up @putthehamsterbackinitscage Wonder if it’s worth getting professional in to do the planting…

OP posts:
cocksstrideintheevening · 17/07/2023 13:27

There can't be much through traffic in a cul sac! It wouldnt be a deal breaker for me.

putthehamsterbackinitscage · 17/07/2023 19:22

Possibly - if you look on line you can buy mixed hedging plants by the metre in some places which makes it simpler. They'll probably be bare root - ideal for planting late autumn or early spring.

CatsForLife · 17/07/2023 19:36

Ah, that’s a great tip @putthehamsterbackinitscage thank you. I was thinking I’d have to get a garden designer or something but would rather save that for the darker back garden which needs a lot more love!

OP posts:
putthehamsterbackinitscage · 17/07/2023 19:37

I'd love to do this but don't have the garden space to do it. Had to settle for a couple of specimen twisted hazels instead...

Feckedupbundle · 17/07/2023 19:43

If you value your sanity,don't plant blackthorn. We have it in our garden hedges and all around on the farm,it suckers like you won't believe and the thorns have a nasty habit of causing infections.
It's beautiful but a complete pain to deal with. Hawthorn,dog rose,beech,and field maple will make a beautiful,solid and wildlife friendly hedge.

putthehamsterbackinitscage · 17/07/2023 19:46

That's interesting - we did plant some blackthorn at the very back of ours - there is about 3 feet of k lol and outside our fence that we own, bordering on a wood - there was a fss as p in the hedge line so we added in some blackthorn to n m Erie the Hawthorne, elder etc / with the hope of sloes in the long term for home made Gin.

Anjelika · 17/07/2023 19:50

Dox9 · 17/07/2023 13:14

Yes agree with pp, high hedge and good solid gates will sort it. I have a friend who did this at their house which was a corner plot with tons of space at the front and sides but only a yard at the back. It was very nice and private.

This sounds just like our garden. I was a bit dubious before we bought but it's very private. We have a privet hedge the whole way round and it's taller than anyone walking past so we never get anyone looking over.

Cupcakequeen75 · 17/07/2023 20:35

Another one for a mixed native hedge.
We have been using Hedges Direct and they are excellent.
Get your order in nice and early and they will send you the bare-root plants as soon as they are ready come autumn.

CatsForLife · 17/07/2023 21:42

@Cupcakequeen75 i like the idea of Hedges Direct. Some really great ideas on this thread, thank you so much. I am finding the idea of gardening to this extent daunting.

OP posts:
Unexpectedlysinglemum · 17/07/2023 21:48

I'm quite sociable so I'd be happy having coffee or bbqs at the front and saying hi to neighbours but doesn't sound like your hubby is!

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