When it comes to celebrity gardens, privacy planting is essential. Famous people want their homes to feel like a quiet escape, separate from their busy lives and prying eyes. At the same time, they want their homes to be beautiful. Mick Jagger's upstate house strikes the perfect balance.
We spotted the way the Rolling Stones frontman has planted for privacy in an archival image from 1983, featuring his impressive collection of bushes and trees. The upstate stone house is surrounded by many levels of plants. From ground cover to towering deciduous trees to waist-height bushes, it's a flourishing and secluded green space.
Celebrities throughout time have opted for this type of clever garden screening idea, and for good reason.
Thom Rutter, master gardener and Content Editor at Homes & Gardens, states: 'Using privacy planting can really help to make a home feel secure, safe and secluded. As we can see in the image here, planting trees and shrubs close to a home can help to create a private, tranquil space that feels slightly hidden.'
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These Felco pruning shears have hardened blades for effortless trimming in your yard, making light work of tough rose pruning jobs. They're essential in every kind of garden.
Japanese Boxwoods are low maintenance, and provide structure and formality over a long period. They are a fantastic option for garden novices and make great privacy screens when planted together.
This evergreen shrub makes the perfect privacy hedge for your cozy and secluded backyard. Maximize comfort just like Mick and get started on your garden paradise.
Although this type of planting is essential, it's not easy. Luckily, our experts have the tips you need to avoid common garden privacy mistakes and protect your house.
Thom advises: 'Of course, you need to be careful when planting trees near to the home, and you want to avoid species with vigorous roots that can disturb foundations. For example, willows and elms are considered trees to never plant near to a home, due to their aggressive habit.'
Luckily, the best trees for privacy are also fairly easy to source. 'Most species, such as dogwoods or crabapples or Japanese maples, will likely cause no damage, but it is always best to check with your local nursery to ascertain what to plant and what not to plant,' recommends Thom.
To emulate the soft and welcoming feel of Mick Jagger's front yard, I recommend choosing the best ground cover plants to add levels to your privacy planting. Begin with easy-to-grow small flowers or vines snaking across the lawn, and move up from there.
Making sure the home feels private with plants is an investment in your feeling of security at home. With the right choices, it can be just as beautiful as it is functional.
