Garden privacy barriers

Eenymeeny

I popped some willow cuttings into a big tub of compost last year. This year they provide a screen which is almost 6 foot high. Placed between the neighbours' kitchen window and mine it provides a light screen during the summer when I feel that I need it. In the winter I just draw the blinds when the lights are on. Placed on some kind of wheels or trolley they could be moved easily. Very cheap screen.

Davesnave

Eenymeeny wrote: »

I popped some willow cuttings into a big tub of compost last year. This year they provide a screen which is almost 6 foot high. Placed between the neighbours' kitchen window and mine it provides a light screen during the summer when I feel that I need it. In the winter I just draw the blinds when the lights are on. Placed on some kind of wheels or trolley they could be moved easily. Very cheap screen.

Good idea. Privacy for outdoor entertaining/relaxing in this country is only required in the summer months, so fast growing deciduous plants, like willow or vines, fit the bill.

Both are a doddle from cuttings and so virtually free. My red stemmed willows were all struck from prunings left at the side of the road by the gardeners for the local manor house.

sheramber

Large pots will be heavy but what bout putting them on the trolleys you get for setting washing machines on so you can move them out of their place when required.

Eenymeeny

Davesnave wrote: »

Good idea. Privacy for outdoor entertaining/relaxing in this country is only required in the summer months, so fast growing deciduous plants, like willow or vines, fit the bill.

Both are a doddle from cuttings and so virtually free. My red stemmed willows were all struck from prunings left at the side of the road by the gardeners for the local manor house.

Thanks Dave. I am wondering though if I should cut them right down in winter or just take a few stems out if I want cover as early as possible? (Sorry to pinch your thread OP)

Davesnave

I think I'd go with a rolling programme of removing 1/3 of the stems each year. If they're in pots, they'll be less vigorous than the ones in the ground.

Eenymeeny

Thanks, I'll do that. I've also done this with forsythia, buddleia and lilac. They are a bit slower than the willow but will provide cheap and cheerful, movable screens to cover new bare fences! (The good thing is that you gain a quick height boost by putting them in tubs)