Is a big brick wall or an unsightly fence ruining the appeal of your garden?
Watch: An outdoor reno with garden screening ideas
An outside wall may not be an important part of your neighbour’s new reno, but the brick monstrosity that has moved into your garden space is definitely significant to you!
A neighbour’s wall, fence or outdoor feature can easily dominate any outdoor space, whether you’ve got a courtyard or an expansive lawn. This is especially true for gardens and backyards that are situated in the city and often close to next door’s property.
For all the hard work done to make your garden a peaceful and private space, a neighbour’s eyesore can be a big let down in your overall aesthetic.
Luckily, there are a couple of great ways to transform an ugly outside wall and incorporate it into your outdoor design.
How to hide an ugly outside wall
1. Screen with plants and greenery
Screening plants work wonders to create a lush and luxurious space, that is private to outsiders and neighbours. Planting screening plants in front of a neighbour’s wall means that any ugly or unwanted constructed elements are easily hidden beneath a barricade of greenery.
Some popular screening plants include bamboo, ornamental ginger, canna lilies and native vines. Screening plants tend to grow quickly and are thick in foliage for easy coverage.
2. Add in wall decor and pot plants
If your space is limited by size or orientation, then adding in wall decor or potted plants may spruce up an ugly wall. This option means you can mix and match decor as a way to beautify something unsightly, rather than hide it.
Because potted plants, cute little gnomes and climbing frames for creepers are quite mobile, this idea is renter-friendly and easy to remove if necessary.
3. Make it functional
Of course, smaller gardens and patios don’t have the room for fancying up an ugly outside wall.
However, you can add in a functional element, such as an adjoining benchtop, seat or barbecue area as a way to capitalise on space. Better yet, it means you will actually spend more time outside in the sunshine, using your backyard.
4. Create a textured wall
If your ‘unsightly’ feature from your neighbours is more open, and lacking in privacy, then you can make your own wall!
A textured wall, like using wooden slats, is a great way to add movement into your outdoor space. You can play around with colours and stains to create a nice contrast between bright greenery and the natural materials of your wall.
5. Invest in high-quality screening
Of course, getting your own fencing and screening done is always a good option. This ensures both that your property boundaries are secure and that it fits within the right design for your garden.
Choosing high-quality, durable materials to make your fence from also means that there will be minimal replacement and repair.
6. Make it the focal point
Finally, if the ugly outside wall stands out that much, why not turn it into a focal point in your garden? Create a feature wall by adding a lick of paint, and enhance your space with colour!
Choose bright contrasting colours like orange, yellow and red to make your plants look more lush, or blend the wall into the greenery with muted tones of green and neutrals.
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