My fence had massive gaps and the neighbours could see right through – an eBay buy gave us instant privacy
ARE you fed up with neighbours being able to see through your fence?
One mum has shared her clever hack which gives her family more privacy – and it was very inexpensive too.
Heather Barclay shared how she attached an artificial plant mat to her fence, and it made her garden feel more “cosy” and “exciting.”
And thankfully it didn’t break the bank, with the sections costing from £4.99 each.
On her @heatherbarclayy account, she showed the incredible before and after clips using the privacy mat.
She wrote: “Hey guys, so if you don’t know, I’m on a mission to do up my garden.
“No, I’m not gonna spend thousands on doing it up, but I’m trying to make it a wee bit more cosy and a wee bit more exciting for the kids as well.
“One of the things I’ve wanted to do for the longest time was add some ivy all the way along this fence, which I’ve finally got to do.
“Everybody I was looking for knows that ivy was absolutely extortionate, so I got this one off eBay.
“I was really happy with the price. I got the six metres by one metre, so as I said, it comes in a massive roll, and I think I used about two and a half rolls, I would say, for that whole fence and the back.
“Honestly, I’m really happy with it.”
Heather shared how she also added some to the back of her gate a few months ago and it has held up “amazingly.”
She continued: “I’ve got high hopes for this, and for the price, I was absolutely buzzing.
“As for attaching it to the fence, I used a staple gun. I got a Stanley one, I’m sure.
“I think we got that from B&Q.
“I did originally have a cheap one, and it was absolutely useless, so I do recommend getting more of a heavy-duty one.
“It was really easy to cut as well and kinda manipulate to where you want it to go. So that’s it, all done. I’m really happy.
“It adds a bit of privacy and just makes the garden feel a bit more homely and cosy.”
Many people were impressed with her privacy hack, and hundreds of people have liked her video.
One said: “what a difference.”
Another added: “that’s much better looking. I’m gonna buy this.”
A third commented: “o that really looks nice, makes all the difference.”
How to create privacy in your garden
CREATING privacy in your garden can be achieved in a number of ways depending on your budget, and the size of your space. Here are some effective ways to enhance privacy in your garden:
1. Fencing
- Install a tall, solid wooden or vinyl fence. This is one of the most straightforward ways to gain immediate privacy. Or use lattice panels, trellis, or slatted fencing to add a decorative touch while still offering privacy.
2. Hedges and Plants
- Fast-growing evergreen shrubs or trees like Leylandii, Thuja, or Bamboo along the boundary of your garden can help with privacy. Grow a dense hedge using plants like Boxwood, Privet, or Laurel. It may take time to grow, but it provides a natural and green privacy screen. Use climbers like Ivy, Clematis, or Wisteria on fences or trellises to create a lush, green privacy barrier.
3. Outdoor Curtains
- Hang outdoor curtains around pergolas, gazebos, or patios for an easy-to-adjust privacy solution.
4. Sound Barriers
- A water fountain or small waterfall can help drown out noise, adding to the sense of privacy. Or install fencing designed to reduce noise if privacy from sound is also a concern.