A WOMAN who was desperate to find a way to stop her neighbour “perving” over the fence has shared the “functional and pretty” solution her dad came up with.
Laura had initially taken to a Facebook group to ask for advice on how to increase the amount of privacy she had in her garden, after the next door neighbour reduced the height of his fence.
And after taking in some suggestions, Laura then enlisted the help of her parents, with her dad inventing a genius solution and building it himself.
“Not sure if anyone can remember me asking what I can do for privacy as next door reduced a fence panel so he can see in our home or possibly even perv,” she wrote in her post on the Gardening Homemaking and Homesteading On A Budget group.
“Well here is the finished project, just need some soil and plants in it.”
She posted snaps of the results alongside her post, showing that her dad had built what looked like another fence panel, with a wooden planter at the bottom, which stood in front of the short panel.
And as the new fence planter was the same height as the other panels that hadn’t been made shorter, it effectively blocked out any unwanted stares.
“I think my mum and dad did a good job building it ,” Laura added, calling them “very talented”.
People in the comments section were quick to weigh in, with one writing: “It’s a shame that we are inclined to think people are doing things for ulterior motives.
“We kept our fence low as we had an elderly lady next to us and she was happy to be able to see us.”
However, Laura hit back: “The people before us said that the fence was 6ft when they moved out and they did not talk to him over the fence.
“When they moved out, that’s when he lowered that one panel.
“The man over the road also told us this too.”
And others quickly praised Laura, and her parents, for implementing the effective, budget-friendly plan.
“Brilliant idea to stand this in front of the fence,” one wrote.
“Looks great and you now have your privacy that your neighbour can’t do anything about!
“Your dad did a great job. Functional and pretty!” another praised.
“Wow, what an obnoxious thing for him to do!” a third marvelled.
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.
“Good solution! I would plant vines.”
“Looks really good,” someone else agreed.
“Can’t believe someone would do that!”
“I’d keep a diary of his movements plus put up some security cameras,” another suggested.
“How sad to have a neighbour like that!”
“We have CCTV all around the house,” Laura replied.
“We brought it off the old owners but unfortunately not sure how to work it yet.”
“It’s marvellous, I know how you feel I have a nosy Parker next to me,” someone else sighed.
“Great solution, now grow something that will be taller than the fence – that’ll stop the perv,” another wrote.
