Planting around the home has value that goes far beyond aesthetics; when done right, it can transform your house. Michelle Pfeiffer's former home in Oahu embodies this truth.
A photo from 2000 shows that waist-high hedgerows and sprouting palms surround the actress's vacation cottage, and two trees in front of the door create the ultimate seclusion. Her design is a masterclass in planting for privacy. While she listed the home for $12.9 million in 2006, experts say there are still many lessons to be learned from the utterly timeless garden surrounding the house.
Garden screening is always in style, even 20 years later. Juna Durrant, expert at Ventures, a full-service design-build firm specializing in luxury outdoor living spaces and landscape design, explains: 'It’s not just about screening views, but creating a sense of security, calm, and separation from the outside world. Trees and hedges soften hardscape boundaries and offer natural, seasonal interest.'
Shop the privacy planting edit
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 Michelle and get started on your own garden paradise.
To recreate a similar secluded effect, zone your garden with plants at a variety of heights.
Juna states: 'We often design in layers to keep things open and welcoming at the street, while introducing height and density closer to the home. The key is thoughtful placement and plant variety. We always aim to create privacy without isolation. The best designs layer plantings to block sightlines from the street while still allowing the home to feel open and welcoming. It’s a balance of beauty and function.'
Experts recommend recreating Michelle's design with a combination of trees and shrubs for privacy.
'We love using tall, narrow evergreens like Emerald Green Arborvitae or Hornbeam in combination with lower hedges like Boxwood or flowering shrubs,' advises Juna. 'This provides both visual depth and effective screening. Pairing tall trees with lower hedges is one of the most effective ways to build a green privacy wall. The height variation adds texture and depth, and when done right, it enhances the landscape rather than hiding it.'
The best privacy planting is a balance of beauty and function that turns the home into a sequestered paradise. With Michelle Pfeiffer's home as inspiratoin, you can't go wrong.
