Easily Add Backyard Privacy Using Hanging Baskets

Forget bulky, boring panels or curtains that make your patio look like it's under construction — privacy screen options don't have to be boring or rigid. An easy solution? Strategically position hanging baskets full of colorful blooms or deliciously lush greenery to create a living barrier between you and your neighbors. It feels a bit like a blanket of serenity surrounding your outdoor space. Hanging up plants where you want a bit of privacy gives you a more flexible, customizable option; you choose the type of plants you want to display, the number of baskets, and the hanging height. You might even have planters you can convert to hanging displays if you're looking for unexpected items you can upcycle into a privacy screen.

Greenery softens the look, so you're not staring at a harsh wood, vinyl, or plastic structure. But you don't have to plant a whole row of hedges and commit to that long-term landscaping for a little natural privacy. You also get a little sunshine trickling through the leaves, so your outdoor space maintains a light, airy feeling. Vegetation is also an eco-friendly way to add privacy to your outdoor spaces, and it could attract wildlife — like these pretty hanging basket flowers that attract hummingbirds.

This privacy idea works best on a porch, deck, or patio with a roof or beams, so you can suspend the planters from that structure. It would also work well to drape around a pergola or gazebo to make it more concealed. If you don't have an overhang, you can build a wood stand for the hanging baskets or use several shepherd's hooks to support the greenery. These Feed Garden Shepherd's Hooks have four hanging spots, so you can display multiple plants on one stake.

This creative plant solution for a private backyard oasis lets you choose just how much privacy you want and what you want it to look like. Traditional hanging baskets work well for this privacy option, but you can also use longer box planters and hang them to create wider barriers with fewer individual hanging pots. Just make sure the hooks or chains you use to suspend the planters can handle the weight, and always use potting soil instead of regular dirt in the hanging pots because it's lighter. Also, keep in mind that the planters will be significantly heavier after watering. 

When choosing plants for your hanging privacy screen, consider the amount of sunlight in the area. Select plants that will thrive in those sunlight conditions. Full plants, like bushy ferns, work well — as the plant grows, your privacy panel becomes thicker. Vining plants also work well. You can hang them high, and the vines will grow down to fill in the gaps below. If you don't want to mess with upkeep or want to keep the privacy screen full year-round, use faux plants in hanging planters. You get a consistent look and continuous privacy with this option.

You can also pair the hanging plant idea with other privacy screen ideas to beautify your outdoor space. Hang old wooden shutters or a pallet and hang small potted plants off of it, for example. Or add lattice panels to fill in the gaps below or between the hanging planters.