Landscaping for Privacy

November 1, 2011

Many people prefer a more private outdoor living space than the traditional front porch. Wingate (The Big Book of Northwest Perennials) concurs and offers effective landscaping ideas for contending with outdoor nuisances (noise, eyesores, trespassers, and wildlife) and minimizing environmental intrusions (pollution, sun, wind, and salt). Large photos illustrate her practical, sustainable options for barriers, buffers, storage, and screens that incorporate modern plants and building materials. Wingate refreshingly suggests theater techniques like scrims to trick the eye, though Jennifer Potter's Secret Gardens provides, through historical and cultural perspectives on private gardens, a deeper look at creating mystery. Wingate's comments on vertical elements, shade, and windbreaks complement the thorough overhead elements discussion in Chuck Crandall and Barbara Crandall's Creating Privacy in the Garden. Those designing spiritual spaces should read Christopher Forrest McDowell and Tricia Clark-McDowell's The Sanctuary Garden or Barbara Blossom Ashmun's Garden Retreats. VERDICT Readers with varying space, budgets, and lifestyles will find this book creative and helpful.--Bonnie Poquette, Boerner Botanical Gardens Lib., Milwaukee

Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2011
Wingate provides numerous options for gardeners who want to create oases of safety from contemporary intrusions. Buffers, barriers, and screensthese practical, creative, sustainable ideas for landscaping an enjoyable extension of your home are thoughtfully integrated into garden concepts. Buffers moderate temperature extremes, wind, noise, and the neighbors' kids. Trees and shrubs provide shade and insulation, and yards gain privacy and serenity with water features, mixed-planing hedgerows, and terraces of mounded shrubs. Barriers include berms, prickly hedges, and fencingsome living, such as shaped or espaliered permanent tree structures. Screening with visual interest, such as lattices supporting climbing roses, spell relief from unwanted views. Tips on plant choices and abundant full-color photos and illustrations complement listings of further readings and resources, conversion tables and plant hardiness zones, and a detailed index to create a comprehensive guide for turning a yard into a haven.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)