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The Sun
24-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Six easy ways to add privacy to your garden with clever planting and the shrubs that'll even stay full in winter
SUMMER is great for being out in the garden, but it's not ideal when you don't have any privacy in your outdoor space. To prevent neighbours peeking into your garden or to just create your own private sanctuary of peace, an expert has shared six plants which can help. 3 Paul Parker, CEO of plants and perennials specialists J. Parker's, said privacy can be achieved using plants. From plant variety recommendations to practical seasonal considerations, his advice will help transform overlooked gardens into peaceful green retreats… Block sight lines An arbour, pergola or gazebo are all easy ways of increasing privacy if you're overlooked by upper windows. Cover any of these structures with beautiful climbing perennials or trailing plants to truly create your own natural private space. Varieties such as clematis, climbing hydrangea, and wisteria, are great for adding privacy to your garden, also these climbing perennials are flowering vines that will come back year after year. Cover up fences with evergreen climbers 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. 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. Fill in gaps with bright annuals If you are looking for a quick fix and want help filling the gaps in while your perennials and shrubs take their time to establish, planting colourful annuals will provide you with the privacy you need this summer. You can use taller annual varieties such as sunflowers, foxgloves or sweet peas to create temporary screens or brighten up existing screens. Simply plant them into a row and consider adding a trellis or fence to give them extra support as they grow. Add bushy potted plants Growing bushy potted plants helps give you the cover you need, and they're mobile so you can move them around whenever you like. It's an easy way to improve privacy that also adds a good dose of foliage to your outdoor space. Choose plants that have a good width spread to grow a privacy wall of foliage. Create bamboo screens 3 Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants out there, making it perfect for creating a natural privacy screen. Just be careful because some varieties can spread fast and take over your garden if left unchecked. To keep things under control, grow bamboo in large, heavy pots to stop it from spreading and also to keep it stable in windy spots. You'll still get those tall, dense canes that are ideal for blocking out a peaceful corner in your garden. Include fast-growing ornamental grasses 3 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. Top gardening trends of 2025 Gardening experts at Barnsdale Gardens has shared the top gardening trends of 2025. Matrix planting It seems that a top planting trend for this year is going to be Matrix Planting. In essence, planting in groups or blocks to give an effect of being wild whilst actually being carefully managed. Selection of the plants is essential, to give year-round interest either with flowers, seed heads or frosted/snowy spent flower heads. Some recommend using plants that seed around, but this could make managing your matrix planting harder to keep under control. Chrysanthemum comeback I hope that the humble Chrysanthemum makes as much of a comeback this year as Dahlias have over recent years, because the simple single flowered types, such as 'Innocence' and 'Cottage Apricot' would be spectacular within a matrix scheme. The hardy varieties are so easy to grow in a sunny spot and give such a valuable burst of late summer and autumn colour that would lift any dull- looking border. Blended borders For some time now we have been promoting the growing of veg within ornamental borders and I think this could really take off this year. The choice of ornamental-looking varieties available in seed catalogues is phenomenal and, if managed correctly, visitors to your garden will not even realise that you have veg growing! Must-have tool My secret is out. I discovered the Hori Hori a couple of years ago and now it seems so is everyone else. It is such a well-made, adaptable tool that can be used as a trowel or weeding tool in the garden that and everyone I speak to who have used it absolutely would not now be without it. Enough said!
Scottish Sun
24-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
Six easy ways to add privacy to your garden with clever planting and the shrubs that'll even stay full in winter
Plus, how to keep large plants under control SECRET GARDEN Six easy ways to add privacy to your garden with clever planting and the shrubs that'll even stay full in winter SUMMER is great for being out in the garden, but it's not ideal when you don't have any privacy in your outdoor space. To prevent neighbours peeking into your garden or to just create your own private sanctuary of peace, an expert has shared six plants which can help. 3 There are a number of ways to create privacy in your garden, and a pergola can help Credit: Getty Paul Parker, CEO of plants and perennials specialists J. Parker's, said privacy can be achieved using plants. From plant variety recommendations to practical seasonal considerations, his advice will help transform overlooked gardens into peaceful green retreats… Block sight lines An arbour, pergola or gazebo are all easy ways of increasing privacy if you're overlooked by upper windows. Cover any of these structures with beautiful climbing perennials or trailing plants to truly create your own natural private space. Varieties such as clematis, climbing hydrangea, and wisteria, are great for adding privacy to your garden, also these climbing perennials are flowering vines that will come back year after year. Cover up fences with evergreen climbers 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. 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. I hate my new build garden being overlooked so found a 5 METRE privacy fence to block out nosy neighbours for under £30 Fill in gaps with bright annuals If you are looking for a quick fix and want help filling the gaps in while your perennials and shrubs take their time to establish, planting colourful annuals will provide you with the privacy you need this summer. You can use taller annual varieties such as sunflowers, foxgloves or sweet peas to create temporary screens or brighten up existing screens. Simply plant them into a row and consider adding a trellis or fence to give them extra support as they grow. Add bushy potted plants Growing bushy potted plants helps give you the cover you need, and they're mobile so you can move them around whenever you like. It's an easy way to improve privacy that also adds a good dose of foliage to your outdoor space. Choose plants that have a good width spread to grow a privacy wall of foliage. Create bamboo screens 3 Bamboo can be useful - but be careful it doesn't grow out of control Credit: Getty Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants out there, making it perfect for creating a natural privacy screen. Just be careful because some varieties can spread fast and take over your garden if left unchecked. To keep things under control, grow bamboo in large, heavy pots to stop it from spreading and also to keep it stable in windy spots. You'll still get those tall, dense canes that are ideal for blocking out a peaceful corner in your garden. Include fast-growing ornamental grasses 3 Pampas grass can help conceal your outdoor space Credit: Getty 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.
The Irish Sun
24-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
Six easy ways to add privacy to your garden with clever planting and the shrubs that'll even stay full in winter
SUMMER is great for being out in the garden, but it's not ideal when you don't have any privacy in your outdoor space. To prevent neighbours peeking into your garden or to just create your own private sanctuary of peace, an expert has shared six plants which can help. Advertisement 3 There are a number of ways to create privacy in your garden, and a pergola can help Credit: Getty Paul Parker, CEO of plants and perennials specialists From plant variety recommendations to practical seasonal considerations, his advice will help transform overlooked gardens into peaceful green retreats… Block sight lines An arbour, pergola or gazebo are all easy ways of increasing privacy if you're overlooked by upper windows. Cover any of these structures with beautiful climbing perennials or trailing plants to truly create your own natural private space. Advertisement More on gardening Varieties such as clematis, climbing hydrangea, and wisteria, are great for adding privacy to your garden, also these climbing perennials are flowering vines that will come back year after year. Cover up fences with evergreen climbers 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. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous 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. 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. I hate my new build garden being overlooked so found a 5 METRE privacy fence to block out nosy neighbours for under £30 Fill in gaps with bright annuals If you are looking for a quick fix and want help filling the gaps in while your perennials and shrubs take their time to establish, planting colourful annuals will provide you with the privacy you need this summer. You can use taller annual varieties such as sunflowers, foxgloves or sweet peas to create temporary screens or brighten up existing screens. Advertisement Simply plant them into a row and consider adding a trellis or fence to give them extra support as they grow. Add bushy potted plants Growing bushy potted plants helps give you the cover you need, and they're mobile so you can move them around whenever you like. It's an easy way to improve privacy that also adds a good dose of foliage to your outdoor space. Choose plants that have a good width spread to grow a privacy wall of foliage. Advertisement Create bamboo screens 3 Bamboo can be useful - but be careful it doesn't grow out of control Credit: Getty Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants out there, making it perfect for creating a natural privacy screen. Just be careful because some varieties can spread fast and take over your garden if left unchecked. To keep things under control, grow bamboo in large, heavy pots to stop it from spreading and also to keep it stable in windy spots. Advertisement You'll still get those tall, dense canes that are ideal for blocking out a peaceful corner in your garden. Include fast-growing ornamental grasses 3 Pampas grass can help conceal your outdoor space Credit: Getty 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. Advertisement Their fast growth rate makes ornamental grasses ideal for privacy hedges because new plants can rapidly fill in any gaps. Top gardening trends of 2025 Gardening experts at Matrix planting It seems that a top planting trend for this year is going to be Matrix Planting. In essence, planting in groups or blocks to give an effect of being wild whilst actually being carefully managed. Selection of the plants is essential, to give year-round interest either with flowers, seed heads or frosted/snowy spent flower heads. Some recommend using plants that seed around, but this could make managing your matrix planting harder to keep under control. Chrysanthemum comeback I hope that the humble Chrysanthemum makes as much of a comeback this year as Dahlias have over recent years, because the simple single flowered types, such as 'Innocence' and 'Cottage Apricot' would be spectacular within a matrix scheme. The hardy varieties are so easy to grow in a sunny spot and give such a valuable burst of late summer and autumn colour that would lift any dull- looking border. Blended borders For some time now we have been promoting the growing of veg within ornamental borders and I think this could really take off this year. The choice of ornamental-looking varieties available in seed catalogues is phenomenal and, if managed correctly, visitors to your garden will not even realise that you have veg growing! Must-have tool My secret is out. I discovered the Hori Hori a couple of years ago and now it seems so is everyone else. It is such a well-made, adaptable tool that can be used as a trowel or weeding tool in the garden that and everyone I speak to who have used it absolutely would not now be without it. Enough said!
BBC News
07-06-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Residents' appeal against Lancashire 'super prison' plan fails
A high court judge has refused to allow campaigners to appeal against the development of a "super prison" near their Ulnes Walton Action Group opposed the building of the 1,715-inmate Category C prison in Ulnes Walton, on a site between Chorley and Leyland in their four-year battle to block the project ended with the judge delivering an oral verdict which has yet to be published in said their efforts had ended in "frustration and disappointment". The new jail, which will sit alongside neighbouring jails HMP Garth and HMP Wymott, will mean a combined total of 3,700 prisoners will reside in the area, outnumbering the population of Ulnes of the campaigners, Paul Parker, said: "There was a better alternative which the Ministry of Justice could have chosen alongside an industrial estate in Oldham." He added: "We are naturally disappointed as a group but I'm sure local residents will be devastated over the next few years with the construction traffic followed by operational traffic which everyone agrees is not sufficient."South Ribble MP Paul Foster told Local Democracy Reporting Service he was also disappointed and there remained "a number of substantial issues" in connection with the roads."There are now no further legal challenges permitted and so it is my job – along with the local planning authority – to work closely with the MoJ to ensure the outstanding issues are resolved and we make the best of a bad situation," he Prime Minister and local government secretary Angela Rayner gave the green light to the prison back in move went against the recommendation of a planning inspector, who had chaired two public inquiries into the inspector had concluded local roads would not be able to cope with the volume of construction traffic required to build the jail. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Metro
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Paul Parker argues Man Utd may end up having a better season than Arsenal
Paul Parker has argued that Manchester United may end up having a better season than Arsenal if they manage to win the Europa League. The Red Devils face a trip to Athletic Bilbao on Thursday night for the first leg of their semi-final clash, looking to continue their hunt for silverware. Like United, Arsenal only have one chance left of landing a trophy this term, with the Gunners having reached the last four in the Champions League. The Champions League is, of course, more prestigious than the Europa League but Arsenal lost 1-0 at home to PSG in the first leg on Tuesday. Arsenal must now produce a comeback at the Parc des Princes in the second leg to reach the Champions League final – where they'd play either Barcelona or Inter Milan – if the north Londoners turn things around. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you. Former United right-back Parker has told Metro that his former club would've had a more successful season than Arsenal if the Gunners miss out on the Champions League trophy and United win the Europa League. 'Yeah, it would be (a more successful season for United if that happened),' he said via comparison site of the best online casinos. 'It's making me chuckle, really. Arsenal have been there – flickering at the top – all the PR stunts they've been throwing out there. They've been doing everything to pump themselves up. 'If you're an Arsenal fan, you'd be a bit disappointed really. You want them (the team) to give you something to cheer about, not them telling you to cheer. 'When you look at it, United have been awful this season, but if they were to win it (the Europa League) – there would be no argument. They'd have a bit of silverware. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'At this moment in time, you have to say United have a good chance of winning it (the Europa League). 'I don't think Arsenal can fight back (against PSG) in the Champions League.' United have underperformed in every other competition- particularly in the Premier League – with the club sat 14th in the table with four games left. United failed to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals, eliminated by Fulham in the fifth round, although they did triumph over Arsenal in the third round. In this season's Carabao Cup, Ruben Amorim's side were knocked out in the last eight while Arsenal went one round further to the semi-finals. Parker's comments come despite Arsenal being second in the Premier League table, with 28 more points and 12 places above United. Arsenal were involved in a Premier League title race with Liverpool for much of the season before Arne Slot's side ended up running away with it. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Liverpool were crowned champions of England on Sunday with a 5-1 victory over Spurs and have 15 more points that second-placed Arsenal. It means Arsenal's painful wait for the Premier League title goes on, with Mikel Arteta's side finishing as runners-up in 2023 and 2024 respectively. Arsenal have not landed the top-flight trophy since 2004, with United last crowned English champions in 2013. Discounting Community Shields, Arsenal have not won a major trophy since the FA Cup in 2020. United, meanwhile, have won a number of trophies in recent years including the FA Cup in 2024 and Carabao Cup in 2023. Amorim's team will face either Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League final this term if they manage to progress past Athletic Bilbao. MORE: Man Utd agree deal to sign French wonderkid on free transfer MORE: William Saliba admits Arsenal players found it 'difficult' to stop PSG star MORE: Mikel Merino sends message to PSG ahead of Arsenal's Champions League second leg
