B&Q shoppers are racing to snap up £10 buy that elevates your garden and instantly adds privacy
B&Q is selling the perfect budget friendly product to elevate your garden and add instant privacy to your outdoors space.
With summer now upon us, and the Met Office predicting a heatwave is "likely" this weekend, many of us are likely planning to spend lots of time relaxing in the garden.
2
2
However, there's nothing worse than sitting outside with a glass of wine and a good book, only to realise that your nosy neighbour is peeking at you over the fence.
Putting up a large fence around your garden may seem like the obvious choice to keep away prying eyes, but this can be expensive - and can sometimes lead to disagreements with neighbours.
Paul CEO of plants and perennials specialists J. Parker's revealed that one stylish way of creating privacy in your garden is by planting ornamental grasses.
He said: 'Grasses can be used easily to create internal screens or hedges that flower beautifully, move in the slightest breeze, and need little care during the summer months.
"I recommend silvergrass or pampas grass to not only conceal your garden, but to introduce interesting textures.
"Their fast growth rate makes ornamental grasses ideal for privacy hedges because new plants can rapidly fill in any gaps.'
B&Q's Stipa Pony Tails Ornamental Grass is currently priced at £10.49, making it a perfect solution for penny pinchers.
The height of the plant when you purchase it will be 30-45cm, but ornamental grass can grow up to three metres tall.
The plant is low maintenance, so won't cause you any stress, plus its feathery plumes will elevate the look of your garden into a stylish haven.
The expert revealed that another handy tip to add privacy to your garden is to cover up fences with evergreen climbers.
I hate my new build garden being overlooked so found a 5 METRE privacy fence to block out nosy neighbours for under £30
He said: 'If you want to disguise fences, balcony railings or rooftop spaces, evergreen climbers are a fantastic solution.
"Star Jasmine would be my top choice, it's a hardy, vigorous grower with glossy evergreen foliage, so it's the perfect all-year-round cover.
"In summer, it bursts into fragrant, star-shaped flowers that fill your garden with an enticing scent.
"If you don't have a surface to grow against, create a living fence by planting shrubs or small trees close together to make a natural wall of privacy.
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.
"Varieties like golden privet hedging or, for a shorter screen, Salix (like Flamingo Willow) are trendy options that work well to cordon off designated areas in your garden.'
Salix, or flamingo trees grow tall and quickly, meaning that they are a popular choice for hiding gardens from prying eyes.
The trees are native to the UK and are popular due to their bright pink foliage, which is a similar shade to the flamboyant birds they are named after.
This makes them perfect for adding a splash of colour to your garden, whilst also ensuring your outdoor space is shrouded from prying eyes.
Shoppers have recently spotted flamingo trees for sale for £13 at Asda.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
Duchess of Sussex announces launch of own wine
New products from the Duchess of Sussex's lifestyle brand have sold out in just a few hours, as she also announced she is also launching her own wine. The rose, described as having 'soft notes of stone fruit, gentle minerality, and a lasting finish', on her As Ever website, will be available to buy next month. The new range of food items that went on sale on Friday included a 'limited edition orange blossom honey' at a cost of 28 dollars (£20). Also available were an apricot spread in 'keepsake packaging', and a crepe mix, both £10 each, flower sprinkles for £11 and a range of different herbal teas at £9 for a box of 12 sachets. The new range went on sale at 4pm UK time, and had all sold out by just before 8pm. Meanwhile, a message on the homepage of the As Ever site read: 'Our debut Napa Valley rose is launching just in time for summer entertaining. 'With soft notes of stone fruit, gentle minerality, and a lasting finish, this bespoke blend is launching just in time for summer entertaining, and will be available for purchase on July 1st.' In an Instagram post at the same time as the new products went live, the California-based duchess wrote: 'Yummies, and honeys, and fruit spreads, oh my!' Meghan had promised some 'delicious surprises' as she teased, earlier this week, that she would be offering some new products on the site. She previously said the original April launch had been 'absolutely extraordinary'. But she also spoke of her fear that she annoyed customers when the first batch of her jam and herbal teas sold out in less than an hour. She said wanted to wait until it is 'completely stable and we have everything we need'. In the run-up to her re-stock, Meghan shared a photo of jam-making preparations including bowls of strawberries, raspberries and blueberries, and freshly squeezed lemons, on her Instagram stories, writing: ''June gloom?' Not over here! Because this month your favourite products are back.' Her official As Ever account also posted: 'To all who've been wondering and waiting, thank you! 'Your favourites are returning, plus a few NEW things we can't wait to show you. Coming this month … get excited!'
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
My younger wife wants to go clubbing and have sex every night but I'm no longer up for that… is our marriage doomed?
DEAR DEIDRE: MY wife wants to go out clubbing with her pals, while I just want to stay in and cosy up on the sofa watching TV. It's driving a wedge between us, and I'm beginning to realise that our 12-year age gap is a bigger problem than I initially anticipated. She's 28 and I'm 40. We met at a party five years ago. At first, I didn't think our age difference was an issue. I didn't look substantially older than her, and we had lots to talk about. She liked the fact I was more mature than the men her age, and that I was stable, solvent and ready for a commitment. But, lately, a gulf has been growing between us. She has more energy than me after work, and doesn't want to stay in. Her friends are mostly single and living a party lifestyle. Most of my peers have young children and lots of responsibility. I've started feeling I want to have kids before I get too old — but I know she's not nearly ready for that. She also wants sex every night, sometimes several times a night, but I'm no longer up for that — or always capable of it. Things came to a head last weekend when we had a big row over the fact she wanted to go to a new club. I wanted to stay in with a bottle of wine and a takeaway. She told me I was turning into an old bore. I told her she was behaving like a teenager. She ended up going out without me, then rolling in drunk at 5am. Now, we're not really talking. I love her to bits, but I'm starting to wonder if our marriage is doomed to fail. Dear Deidre on relationships, jealousy and envy DEIDRE SAYS: All couples go through difficult periods, when they don't see eye to eye, even when age isn't a factor. If you love each other, you can overcome this – but you need to talk about it. Perhaps, you need to accept you have some different interests now, and compromise. That means, letting her go clubbing occasionally, and not getting annoyed. And she needs to cuddle up on the sofa with you some evenings, without moaning it's boring. And it's actually healthy for couples to have their own friends and interests. Wanting children when she's not ready is a bit trickier to solve. But avoiding the subject won't bring a resolution either. My support pack, Looking After Your Relationship, may be helpful. You could also think about having couples counselling, so you can talk in a safe space. Contact Tavistock Relationships ( to set up an appointment. Also see my support pack, Age Gaps – Do They Matter? THANK YOU FOR... HELPING ME OVER MY ESCORT SHAME DEAR DEIDRE: WHEN loneliness drove me into the arms of an escort, I realised I needed help to change my life. At 30, I'd never had a girlfriend. I was stuck in a dead-end job, still living with my mum and couldn't afford to move out. All I wanted was a partner to share things with, but I felt I had nothing to offer them. I couldn't even date because how could I bring a girl home to my mum's house? One night, I felt so lonely that I ended up paying a woman for sex. It was so nice to have female attention, to kiss and to cuddle. But afterwards, I felt even more depressed because I knew she'd only been nice to me for money. You were so understanding and didn't judge me for living at home or never having had a girlfriend. You suggested that I talk to an organisation called CALM — The Campaign Against Living Miserably ( 0800 585858) and sent me your support packs on Feeling Lonely and Finding The Love Of Your Life. I took your advice and started seeing a counsellor. I've since stopped seeing escorts and joined a dating app. I've also started going out with some work friends, so I feel less lonely. I feel so much more optimistic. Thank you, Deidre. DEIDRE SAYS: It's so easy to get into a rut when you feel lonely and loveless. Well done on making such positive changes, which will make your life much fuller and happier. TEENAGE TROUBLES DEAR DEIDRE: WHENEVER my new boyfriend is busy or doesn't message me straight back, it sets off my anxiety. Our first date was magical, but since then he seems to have cooled off. I'm 19 and he's 20. We've been dating three months. I asked him why he's not as keen as at first, and he says he likes me but isn't sure he's ready for a serious commitment. The more insecure I feel, the more I message him. I'm worried my behaviour is pushing him away. DEIDRE SAYS: New relationships are tricky, as you're getting to know each other and your feelings don't always develop at the same rate. If he doesn't message straight back, it doesn't mean he doesn't like you. Try to distract yourself while you wait. My pack, Living With Anxiety, should help with this. I'M LEFT SCARED IN OWN HOME BY ABUSIVE LODGER DEAR DEIDRE: I GOT a lodger to help pay my mortgage, but he's often nasty to me – and he's even been violent. Sometimes, I feel scared to be in my own home. I'm a 40-year-old man. I've had some health problems, which meant I had to leave my job. As a result, I found it really hard to pay my mortgage and bills. Someone suggested I take in a lodger, as I have spare bedrooms. I advertised online and quickly found someone – a guy in his late 20s. He had a decent job, looked presentable and was charming. But over the past few months, he's started to show his true colours. He has an anger problem, and he drinks. When he gets drunk, he screams obscenities at me and he throws things. He has also violently shoved me. My stress levels are so high that I can't sleep, and I find myself hiding in my bedroom, even though it's my house. What should I do? DEIDRE SAYS: Nobody should be made to feel scared to be in their own home. If you ever feel in danger, please call 999. It's important that you get support to deal with this, so people know what's going on and can help you. Please make contact with Mankind ( 0808 800 1170) which helps men suffering domestic abuse. Also get in touch with the Citizens Advice ( which has information on its website about how to get a lodger out of your house legally. If possible, please ask a friend or relative to come over so that you're not alone with him. Also try talking to him very calmly, but when he's sober. My support pack, Standing Up For Yourself, should help you have this conversation. THIRD WHEELING IN MY RELATIONSHIP DEAR DEIDRE: EVEN though I've been with my partner for five years, his ex makes me feel like a third wheel in my own relationship. They have a son. She's at every family wedding and birthday, and she turns up at our house uninvited! I'm 38 and my partner is 42. We have a daughter. While I'm glad they're on good terms, for his son's sake, it feels like they're too close for comfort. I'll admit I sometimes feel jealous. The rest of his family are friends with her and I often get the impression they wish he'd get back with her. They make me feel second best. It's got to the point where I've had enough. I've told my partner I don't want his ex at family events. He says it doesn't bother him whether she comes or not, but his parents want her there. I think he's worried she'll stop him seeing their son if he stands up to her. I love him but it's time he put me first. Am I unreasonable? DEIDRE SAYS: It's not unreasonable of you to want to feel like you and your daughter are the most important people in your partner's life. But his son is also important, and he doesn't want to antagonise his ex. Make it clear to him how much this is upsetting you. It may be that he needs to show you more love and attention so you feel more secure around her. You could try setting some boundaries. Ask him to tell her she can't turn up to your house without warning. You could ask if his parents could only invite her to some things, too. For more advice, contact Family Lives (
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Zara Phillips catches the eye in stylish trouser suit as she joins fellow royals at Ascot racing festival
Zara Tindall turned heads again at Royal Ascot today as she stepped out in a stylish blue trouser suit. The daughter of Princess Anne donned the unique outfit for the fourth day of the Berkshire racing festival on Friday. She teamed the suit with a matching blouse and a statement hat featuring an eye-catching white bow. Zara, 44, finished off the chic look with a pair of pointed blue heels, sunglasses and a white patterned clutch bag. It comes after Zara, who is married to former Rugby star Mike Tindall, opted for a similar coloured outfit for the opening day of Royal Ascot on June 17. The 44-year-old re-wore a custom Rebecca Vallance sky blue dress featuring lace floral embellishment on the décolletage and billowing short sleeves. Zara was photographed at the event on Friday alongside Princess Eugenie and the Duchess of York, who opted for more neutral-coloured outfits. Eugenie stunned in a stylish wide-brimmed hat and flattering dress featuring a billowing white skirt and a square-shouldered brown top. Meanwhile her beaming mother looked equally fashionable in a trendy monochrome polka dot frock. Royal Ascot is one of the most prestigious events on the sporting calendar and has strict dress code guidelines - although they vary depending on what enclosure you are visiting. Royal Enclosure dress code A dress or skirt falling just above the knee or longer Shoulder straps that are a minimum width of one inch (2.5cm) A jacket or pashmina may be worn - tops and dresses beneath must still comply A trouser suit of matching material and colour A jumpsuit that falls below the knee and complies with the shoulder strap requirements Hats must be worn. However, a headpiece or hatinator with a minimum base diameter of four inches (10cm) is acceptable It comes as the King and his glamorous relatives embraced the fun-filled spirit of Royal Ascot today. Charles, 76, appeared in great spirits as he greeted his niece Princess Eugenie, 35, with kisses on her hands. His Majesty was also joined by another of his nieces, Zara Tindall, the daughter of Princess Anne, who looked delighted to see her royal family members. Camilla, 77, also oozed glamour in a white chiffon dress with embroidered flowers from Anna Valentine, paired with a feathered Philip Treacy hat. Meanwhile stylish revellers created a sea of vibrant colours as they prepared for another day of action in the 28C heat. While some revellers bet on horses hoping to win big, others simply came along to soak up inspiration, as race day style has become just as famous as the race itself. As ever, lavish millinery turned heads, with many revellers commanding attention in vibrant creations adorned with feathers, flowers and lace. Stunning floral ballgowns, sizable fascinators and dapper top hats were also all on display as hundreds of well-heeled race enthusiasts made the most of the hot weather which is a rarity in the UK. Glamorous revellers showed off their fashion prowess by donning one of the trendiest colours of the season - hot pink. Dressed to the nines, groups of classy racegoers also opted to coordinate their attire for the annual occasion, rather than wearing their ensembles solo. Georgia Toffolo - known more commonly as 'Toff' - showed off her Royal Ascot day four look, which consisted of a flattering cherry red dress with ornate sleeves that showed off her slim frame. The Made in Chelsea star, 30, paired her simple yet stylish dress with a tortoise shell and statement gold earrings. She appeared to be in high spirits as she posed with group of photographers at Royal Ascot while holding one of their wide-lensed cameras. Princess Diana's twin nieces Lady Eliza Spencer and Lady Amelia Spencer, both 32, also made an appearance in strikingly similar classy monochrome ensembles with matching wide brimmed hats. The fashion model duo - who were sporting glitzy diamond necklaces and jewelled drop earrings - are no stranger to the camera and posed up a storm at the event. The sisters were also snapped with Millie Mackintosh, best known for her appearances in Made in Chelsea.
