AboutKathy Expertise I am able to answer exterior layout and design questions. I have a special talent for creating landscapes for children as well as entertaining. Going beyond the usual landscape design I can also suggest furniture and decor (lit candles, hanging pottery, etc) that will compliment any exterior design.
Color themes, geographical themes (japanese, tuscany, etc) and seasonal designs are also within my realm of expertise. A horticulturalist I am not, but, I can answer just about any question that might require a particular type of plant and whether it will work for you.
Experience Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science for SUNY-Environmental Science and Forestry in association with Syracuse University where I took 2 years of Landscape Architecture. During that time I worked for 2 separate landscaping businesses - not design, but, maintaining plant materials. I have nearly 10 years of design and graphic layout in the web design field. I worked for a corporate web design/services company. I am currently a consultant for residential landscape design here in Virginia Beach.
Organizations Norfolk Botanical Gardens
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science for SUNY-Environmental Science and Forestry in association with Syracuse University where I took 2 years of Landscape Architecture. Secondary education teacher certification. I taught high school earth science for 6 years.
Past/Present Clients All of my clients are local and residential.
Question My husband and I recently purchase our first home and now we are in desperate need of some backyard privacy. The picture was taken from my patio looking into my neighbors yard and house. The two bushes in the picture are rose of sharon and I would like to at least keep the largest one (on the left). I thought about planting some tall ornamental grass along with a mixture of other things or even just a row of rose of sharon but really I am at a loss. I don't know where to begin or what to put in the ground. I love to garden and just want it to look appealing to the eye. I am really open to any suggestions. The only thing I don't want to do is an evergreen hedge. I would be so grateful for some suggestions.
Here is the link to the picture of my backyard.
A quick and relatively inexpensive way to gain privacy is to add 3-5 (keeping them at an odd number) lattice panels. Install them using actual fence posts and place them so they are staggered and not touching or straight across.
In between each panel plant a Rose of Sharon or possibly a Crepe Myrtle. It doesn't really matter as long as it grows tall and suits your soil and climate.
On the lattice grow clematis, ivy or Lady Banksia vines. Once again, choose plants that will suit your soil and climate needs. The vine may take at least two seasons to take off, but, in the meantime your lattice provides the privacy you need.
Not only will it provide privacy, but, it will provide a warm and welcoming backdrop to your backyard.
