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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: Norfolk n Proud on April 14, 2008, 18:51:35

Title: I want privacy!!
Post by: Norfolk n Proud on April 14, 2008, 18:51:35: Hiya folks, as the title suggests, i want some privacy! Since i went to bed last night, a helicopter has airlifted the worlds biggest trampoline into my neighbours garden, this has made it quite possible to have a dozen people on it at the same time. which wouldn't be a problem if they didn't like to stare at anyone in our garden. So this begs the question, what can i plant that will be 1. Attractive to the eye. 2. about 10 feet tall or more and 3. Thin, in relation to it's height. I realise bamboo would be peoples favourite choice but i don't want it to go on the rampage. Please don't think I'm being a bit Victor Meldrew, but the wife has developed an intense hatred of it> :o :o :o
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: star on April 14, 2008, 19:03:05: Oh how I sympathise with you. Whatever you put in will take time to grow so it wont be effective this or next year. or possibly 4 or 5 years from now.

You could put a garden mirror opposite the trampoline, not to blind them. But so it will shine some light back in their direction, that would take the focus off the people in your garden.

Fast growing stuff.....Clematis montana, Hop and many more (sorry cant think of them all right now) then there are trees but these take much longer to achieve the screen you want
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: Norfolk n Proud on April 14, 2008, 19:07:06: Hi Star, i hadn't thought about climbers or hops, i reckon if i got some tall trellis, they would grow in no time. You are indeed a Star :)
Keep your ideas coming!!
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: markfield rover on April 14, 2008, 19:50:38: Thre is a cherry tree that grows tall and thin I think it is called something like Sky Rocket. We have a quince that is ten foot
after three years and grown in that fan sort of way. Sweet peas would also do the trick until the first frosts.
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: davyw1 on April 14, 2008, 20:04:29: If u get a trellis up get some Impomia Morning Glory it will see you till you get some thing more perminent
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: star on April 14, 2008, 20:05:31: You're welcome Andy, good luck. I wish plants could solve the problem of noisy neighbours :'( :'( then I would be sorted too.
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: Norfolk n Proud on April 14, 2008, 20:16:00: If you find one that does Star........ let me know! :) :)
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: Norfolk n Proud on April 14, 2008, 20:17:40: Quote from: davyw1 on April 14, 2008, 20:04:29
If u get a trellis up get some Impomia Morning Glory it will see you till you get some thing more perminent
Hi Davy, i've got a packet of those seeds you speak of, guess what i'm doing tommorrow night?? Cheers :)
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: GrannieAnnie on April 14, 2008, 20:18:37: People get bored quickly. I'm sure the "wonderful" trampoline will become dullsville.

Our daughter had a similar problem and finally put up a wood fence which looks so nice AND
forms a pretty backdrop for their plants which formerly didn't show up very well.

Then there is lattice- that looks pretty painted a darker/ interesting color to blend in, maybe do sheets of it in frames- mounted separately perhaps?
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: tilts on April 14, 2008, 20:30:24: Hops are brilliant, loads of colour, loads of growth, great for selling to florists in the Autumn and they've got this sort of spikey ~ very spikey ~ and uncomfortable finish ~ great to obscure and act as a preventative. I have grand children and love to hear them play ,but would hate to have my privacy invaded as you have. Good Luck!
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: Baaaaaaaa on April 14, 2008, 20:44:29: I know just the problem, I live in a row of houses all with big gardens, and these big Baaaaaaaa-stard bouncy things are multiplying rapidly - destroying my weekend peace and quiet. I'm even considering writing to the council as its an invasion of my privacy, not to mention sond pollution.

The dreaded Ivy, or a Russian vine would cover some trellis until you got something more permenant.

Lilac grow quite tall quite quickly, as does budliea, and you can prune hard if your privacy problem goes away/ grows up.

Ps. I hear that 10 mins a day on a trampoline is good exercise and for weight loss, so, if you can't beat 'em, then join 'em :)
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: GrannieAnnie on April 14, 2008, 20:55:25: Oh yes! Buddliea or butterfly bush we call it is a good idea, grows so quickly from being pruned almost to the ground and springs to about 10-12 feet. A row of those- I've never actually seen it grown in a row, but why not?
Around here folks give away the volunteers so perhaps you'd get them free. And they're fragrant.
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: Fluffnco on April 14, 2008, 21:48:42: Quote from: star on April 14, 2008, 20:05:31
You're welcome Andy, good luck. I wish plants could solve the problem of noisy neighbours :'( :'( then I would be sorted too.

Couple of early carrots should sort that problem out...stick one in each ear ;))

Seriously though I empathise with you....noisy or nosy it's not nice
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: artichoke on April 14, 2008, 22:11:36: I've got a couple of fig trees grown from cuttings planted against trellis, and when they are in leaf they screen the trellis beautifully from next door. I prune and tie them in rather casually to flatten them against the trellis rather than becoming the fat trees they want to be, and if I didn't cut them down at the top they would grow very tall. And you'd get figs - they are delicious.

I have a friend who doesn't like figs, and has grown his fig tree against a huge wall of his house purely for decoration. And in Sissinghurst and Pashley Gardens, fig trees also cover very large, tall walls very densely. They weave the younger growth round in circles in a way I haven't quite achieved.

Even when their leaves have fallen, the architectural pattern of their sinuous grey trunks and branches is very attractive.
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: Doris_Pinks on April 14, 2008, 22:18:59: Don't write off bamboos, i have mine growing in a big pots in the soil, stops them rampaging!!
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: aromatic on April 14, 2008, 22:28:02: :-\
1)Get a trampoline of your own... re:- whats good for the goose is good for the gander!

2)If not against any local council rules, light a bonfire when they start bouncing and smoke them out... (hopefully the wind will be going in the right direction that day!!)

3)Joking aside a lot of the suggestions already made by forum members sound excellent, my sensible suggestion is the following type of fencing which seems to be the in thing these days, looks persable and I have seen attached to wattle fences etc to add extra high privacy ..... and would maybe solve your problem.

www.greenfingers.com/superstore/category.asp?dept_id=180

If you scroll down the page you will see willow/thatch etc screen fencing that can be attached to an original fence, and if you get some higher than your fence it would give you that extra privacy. I have seen it done and it does look nice. Also its instant privacy...
Hope you sort your problem very soon, you have my sympathies has I have been in that situation myself in the past and its not pleasant!!

(http://www.animated-gifs.eu/emoticons-sports/0028.gif)
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: Norfolk n Proud on April 15, 2008, 16:41:16: Quote from: GrannieAnnie on April 14, 2008, 20:18:37
People get bored quickly. I'm sure the "wonderful" trampoline will become dullsville.

Our daughter had a similar problem and finally put up a wood fence which looks so nice AND
forms a pretty backdrop for their plants which formerly didn't show up very well.

Then there is lattice- that looks pretty painted a darker/ interesting color to blend in, maybe do sheets of it in frames- mounted separately perhaps?

If only, they already had one, but this one is bigger, much bigger!! easily 15 feet diameter. :o
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: Norfolk n Proud on April 15, 2008, 16:43:20: Quote from: Baaaaaaaa on April 14, 2008, 20:44:29
I know just the problem, I live in a row of houses all with big gardens, and these big Baaaaaaaa-stard bouncy things are multiplying rapidly - destroying my weekend peace and quiet. I'm even considering writing to the council as its an invasion of my privacy, not to mention sond pollution.

The dreaded Ivy, or a Russian vine would cover some trellis until you got something more permenant.

Lilac grow quite tall quite quickly, as does budliea, and you can prune hard if your privacy problem goes away/ grows up.

Ps. I hear that 10 mins a day on a trampoline is good exercise and for weight loss, so, if you can't beat 'em, then join 'em :)

I hear what your saying, 10 mins up the lotties better! :)
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: star on April 15, 2008, 16:49:00: And more peaceful 8)
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: jennym on April 15, 2008, 23:37:19: Eucalyptus gunnei grows quickly, you do have to be prepared to cut it each year though. Mine is cut each year to 6 ft in late winter/early spring and always puts on about 6 to 8 ft of extra growth by the end of summer. Cutting it isn't too bad, use loppers as the wood is quite sappy.
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: Kea on April 16, 2008, 11:33:50: Yes my neighbour has one and it's either on the lawn with kids bouncing on it from dawn to dusk in the summer and looking over the fence all the time or in it's storage position on it's side down the side of their house but in full view of my entire garden all winter. I've got trellis and tall plants but they're teenagers so they bounce high.
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: raisedbedted on April 16, 2008, 11:41:50: My thoughts are...

1) Start bee keeping.
2) Use lots of fish blood and bone along that side of the garden, or chicken manure, particularly in summer, or even better home made nettle brew.
3) wait till next years fad comes along then get the trampoline as a great brassica cage.
4) Plant some willow withies against the fence, they will hit 10-15' within 18 months and not too fat.
5) start sun bathing naked - it would stop them if it was me ;)

RBT
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: philandjan on April 16, 2008, 14:02:52: Two gun towers linked by an observation deck, provided that you don't need planning permission, sound attractive.

8)
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: flowerlady on April 16, 2008, 15:59:19: Quote from: philandjan on April 16, 2008, 14:02:52
Two gun towers linked by an observation deck, provided that you don't need planning permission, sound attractive.

8)

Maybe even 'night ops' and a sharp knife! >:(

My heart goes out to you ... we have one next to us ... but little lad is only 6 ... HOWEVER ... it's WEEEEEE .... WEEEEEE .... WEEEEEE .... every jump that goes with it that drives up MAD :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X

... after the hops what about Virginia Creeper or Vitis??? Lovely big leaves 8)
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: Norfolk n Proud on April 16, 2008, 18:01:41: Quote from: raisedbedted on April 16, 2008, 11:41:50
My thoughts are...

1) Start bee keeping.
2) Use lots of fish blood and bone along that side of the garden, or chicken manure, particularly in summer, or even better home made nettle brew.
3) wait till next years fad comes along then get the trampoline as a great brassica cage.
4) Plant some willow withies against the fence, they will hit 10-15' within 18 months and not too fat.
5) start sun bathing naked - it would stop them if it was me ;)

RBT
I love the ideas Ted, they gave me a really good chuckle, but also some interesting takes on how to disguise it. Nice one :)
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: Gazfoz on April 16, 2008, 18:29:45: Leylandii. The seventies scourge of suberbia. Yes, not only fast growing but tall enough to throw their garden into complete shade depending on the aspect of your garden. Plant these babies and the for sale sign will follow.
Fight fire with fire.
Gary.
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: Norfolk n Proud on April 16, 2008, 19:35:28: Blimey Gaz, you know it's bad when the Leylandii come out. I did see giant bamboo that grow to around 70 foot high. :o :o Now THAT would be a sight to see.
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: Kea on April 18, 2008, 16:38:30: What do you do about the noise though that's what bothers me they seem to start so early in the morning...the teenagers have a younger brother!
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: flowerlady on April 18, 2008, 16:44:07: As you are living next door ... tactfully negotiate a no jump time-zone ?? :-\

... luckily for me a have a friendly neighbour (so far) and I can tease the little one quite pointedly which puts my case, but doesn't accuse anyone, ... and so far has had absolutely no effect !! ::) ;D
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: Lacelotte on April 18, 2008, 16:47:32: Providing you put them in something to restrict thier growth, Jerusalem artichokes would make a brilliant screen. Mine grew to about 8/9 foot high last year, they flower later on and best of all you get something to dig up afterwards!!

You can also cut them down when finished and use the stalks as climbing poles for peas, beans etc next year
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: raisedbedted on April 18, 2008, 22:17:32: Yes great idea, and after eating some of those tubers you will be able to create your own anti social behaviour. ;D
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: Lacelotte on April 19, 2008, 00:34:24: Ppprrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrtttttttttttt!!! What ever could you mean Ted? ;D
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: PurpleHeather on April 19, 2008, 07:50:33: Has any one mentioned Morning Glory?

That grows quite high fairly quickly.

However, these people will no doubt bounce about for a bit, get thirsty, get drunk, be sick and the novelty will wear off.
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: Thegoodlife on April 20, 2008, 16:19:27: creep into the garden one night a take all the springs off ;D, that will stop them
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: aromatic on April 20, 2008, 17:03:33: ;D Get one of your own and jump in unison and wheeeeeeeeee all at the same time..... so noise and nosiness go hand in hand if you get my drift!!

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!**!!
(http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/images/ai/airmax-trampolene.jpg)
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: floraldi on April 22, 2008, 17:57:41: Quote from: andy pandy on April 14, 2008, 19:07:06
Hi Star, i hadn't thought about climbers or hops, i reckon if i got some tall trellis, they would grow in no time. You are indeed a Star :)
Keep your ideas coming!!

Hop plants do grow very fast but they will not survive over winter I don't think. If you try them make sure you get the golden one. It has very nice leaves and all those lovely hops. It's called Humulus Lupulus Aureus. chiltern seeds sell them if no one else does.
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: flowerofshona2007 on April 22, 2008, 18:25:52: We have the very same problem here !! and every darn kid in the area comes round to stare over our way !!!!!!!! Wouldnt be so bad if they put the darn thing at the bottom of their pig sty of a garden but that would mean clearing away the rubbish and weeds !!
I totally agree they are an invasion of privacy and should be BANNED !
Hubby says a stanly knife on a cane at night will do the trick ;D
Im putting up 3ft trellis and even thinking of going for the dreaded Russian vine !! it does have a lovely smell and is sooo fast, dont panick im used to dealing with it as we had it in our last garden and was used to cutting it back every week :lol
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: loopyloulou on April 22, 2008, 21:07:06: my neighbours lad spends all his time thudding a sodding football off the wall and its driven me insane, for the whole of the 5 nearly 6yrs weve been here, and until we had the garage built he used 2 creep into our garden and stare at me till i saw him and then had the worste verbal diarreah known to man!

if theyre making a racket id start making youre own...deffo agree with the manure, oh and what about creosote? noisy lawn mowers headge trimmers for the leylandii (my dad loves his connifers!!!) wind chimes and so on maybe you could start listening to loud music???

sunbathing naked might make them want to look more, and invite friends to look, id probably sit taking the mikey wee ohh ahh and holding cards up, making comments like simon cowell etc (sorry hormones!)

itll all be worth it tho when one of the buggers goes splat n u can have a quiet giggle as they hobble off wailing about it, now thatd put them off! could you move it mid jump???

otherwise if theyre friendly neighbours mention that you can bury the trampoline to the same level as the lawn n then they wont bounce as high... its less to mow too :) its what the oh family have (came with the house) id love a trampoline but i guess yes it is an invasion of privacy, any permanent structure that enabled the neighbours to view youre property could be complained to the council about..

all else fails im chopping at the ivy again soon, how many tonns do you want?? its the mean green im gonna take a wall down and eat a fence sort of stuff... it will grow thru to theyre side...guaranteed....
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: flowerofshona2007 on April 25, 2008, 18:25:56: Well we have just been and bought the trellis and painted it ready to go up tomorow !!! also got a russian vine 8) going to cover 4 bits of trellis in a few weeks and no one is going to see into our garden (if we can still find it LOL )
It was going to be done anyway but the trampoline brough it forward !
Now how do i get hold of some acid that will burn though the metal springs ;D
Title: Re: I want privacy!!
Post by: sandra Riley on April 27, 2008, 11:39:56: Why can't people just be more considerate ! We have had the football problem for 3 years and it reached its peak on Easter Sunday 15 lads playing football against my front window/wall, we have a joined front lawn with our neighbour and its been a bl***y nightmare ! Unfortunatley due to the nature of my husbands job we are stuck in these houses with these horrible neighbours, makes life a misery though! We have all but moved in at the allotment, we barbequed there last night, its like heaven, such an escape! I really hope you resolve yor probem.