Ugly metal fence

Stockystockat

Hi all,

I just moved to a new build apartment, and love that it has a patio, but it's very exposed to people walking past on the street. People further along have put up tall bamboo screens, but I think it screams "leave us alone", and not really in the community spirit. We do want some privacy though, so think a climber or something would be ideal. Does anyone have any suggestions for something to cover the ugly metal railings, which would ideally also give a bit of height? The flower bed isn't that deep, and it gets sun most of the afternoon. Our bedroom and lounge have french doors opening onto the patio so we have to leave the curtains closed at the moment at all times!

Thanks in advance.

Kat  

hogweed

A climber will only go to the top of the fence which looks to be about 3 ft or so and people will still be able to see in. 

BobFlannigon

If it were me I think I'd paint the railings black and then plant one or two of tall-ish shrubs (6') just to provide some but not complete screening.  Hopefully, if you pick the right thing to grow, it could also steal focus of anyone walking past who might otherwise be looking in through your window!

I'm thinking along the lines of Weigela or Camellia...

Fairygirl

Yes - a few shrubs would be better. Escallonia is another which can be kept quite 'tight' so that it doesn't encroach and make the border a bit limited for other planting. You could add some tall verticals like Verbena bonariensis and alliums as well which will provide a taller screen, without being solid.