Privacy hedge in the backyard of Dave Franco and Alison Brie: A fast-growing, evergreen variety proven optimal for ensuring privacy, yet caution is advised in planting.
In the quest for a lush, green privacy screen, consider the fast-growing, hardy stalk of bamboo. This versatile plant, when chosen and maintained carefully, can provide an attractive and eco-friendly solution for garden screening while minimizing the risk to local ecosystems.
Alison Brie and Dave Franco, known for their stylish abode, have embraced bamboo in their backyard, surrounding their home with these green giants for privacy. The couple's privacy plants include fluffy bamboo, ferns, and cascading pothos, creating a serene and secluded atmosphere.
To grow and maintain non-invasive bamboo for garden screening, opt for clumping bamboo varieties such as those in the Fargesia genus. These varieties grow in tight clusters and do not spread aggressively like their running counterparts. Some cold-hardy, evergreen cultivars to consider are Fargesia robusta 'Campbell', Fargesia 'Viking', and Fargesia rufa 'Green Panda'. These provide dense foliage year-round, making them ideal for screening.
Plant these bamboo varieties in rows or clusters, spaced appropriately for the desired hedge density and height (typically 4-5 meters for these varieties). If planting directly in the ground, use root barriers to limit horizontal rhizome growth and prevent unwanted spreading. Alternatively, grow bamboo in large pots or containers to fully control its spread, particularly if unsure about species or local suitability.
Maintaining bamboo is relatively straightforward. Water regularly during dry spells and provide occasional fertilizer. Clumping bamboos generally require low maintenance and grow quickly. Prune as needed to keep height and density in check and to remove any damaged or dead canes, which also promotes new growth.
Proper research is essential before planting bamboo to avoid unintended invasiveness. If bamboo is not native to a region, it can be invasive and spread uncontrollably. Be sure to research local regulations and native species considerations to ensure bamboo planting does not inadvertently harm local flora and fauna.
Thom Rutter, a master gardener and content editor at Homes & Gardens, advises that bamboo is an ideal evergreen for privacy and screening. With its rapid growth and lush, green canopy, bamboo can complement privacy plantings beautifully, covering unsightly fences and walls.
For precise trimming of these privacy plants, affordable hedgeshears are available. Remarkably robust pruners, featuring a secure but easy-to-open safety catch, a comfortable design, and a stylish red and white handle, make pruning a breeze.
Signing up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter provides design expertise, decorating ideas, and gardening advice, ensuring your garden remains a delightful and thriving oasis. By following these practices—especially choosing clumping bamboo varieties, installing root barriers, or container growing—you can have an effective, attractive bamboo privacy screen that poses low risk to local ecosystems and remains manageable for the garden.
Drawing inspiration from Thom Rutter, a master gardener, Alison Brie and Dave Franco augmented their landscaping with a lush bamboo screening around their home-and-garden. Their lifestyle interface seamlessly blends with the oriental charm of the bamboo garden ideas, creating a tranquil garden oasis. To replicate their serene backyard ambiance, consider incorporating a variety of bamboo species, such as Fargesia robusta 'Campbell', Fargesia 'Viking', and Fargesia rufa 'Green Panda', which not only complement the privacy screening but also contribute to a verdant lifestyle.
