Living next door to nosey neighbors can really put a damper on enjoying your outdoor space.
Trust me, I’ve been there – trying to relax in my tiny urban garden while feeling like I’m on display.
That’s why I’m excited to share these 7 incredible narrow evergreen plants that have transformed my outdoor sanctuary without eating up precious space.
1. Italian Cypress
My love affair with Italian Cypress began during a trip to Tuscany.
These elegant trees are like nature’s skyscrapers, shooting up to 26 feet tall while staying incredibly slim at just 1.5-3 feet wide.
I planted three along my side fence last spring, and they’ve already created the most gorgeous Mediterranean-inspired privacy screen I could have hoped for.
The best part? They grow slowly enough that you won’t need to break out the pruning shears every weekend.
2. Blue Arrow Juniper
If you’re looking for something with a bit more color, Blue Arrow Juniper is your answer.
I adore how its silvery-blue foliage adds a unexpected pop of color to my garden year-round.
At a maximum height of 13 feet and only 1-2 feet wide, these slim beauties are perfect for smaller spaces.
I’ve lined my patio with them, and their dense foliage creates the coziest private retreat for my morning coffee ritual.
3. Japanese Holly
Sometimes called Ilex crenata, Japanese Holly has become my go-to recommendation for friends who want something more refined than traditional boxwood.
Its small, glossy leaves create such an elegant look that my neighbor actually asked if I’d hired a professional landscaper!
Standing at 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide, it’s the perfect height for creating privacy around a seating area without feeling overwhelming.
4. Fountain Bamboo
Now, let me tell you about my container garden game-changer – Fountain Bamboo.
This variety grows 6-8 feet tall and creates the most beautiful natural wall effect when planted in a row of containers.
Just a word of caution from personal experience: keep this one in containers, or you’ll be fighting back an invasion in your garden beds!
5. Ivy
Don’t overlook the humble ivy when considering privacy options.
I’ve trained it up a simple trellis system, and it’s created the most gorgeous living wall you can imagine.
The best part? It’s budget-friendly and grows like crazy – though you’ll want to keep those pruning shears handy to keep it in check.
At just 1-2 feet wide, it’s perfect for those super narrow spaces where nothing else seems to fit.
6. California Lilac
Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the California Lilac (Ceanothus)!
This 6-foot beauty not only provides privacy but puts on the most spectacular show of blue flowers in late spring that’ll have your neighbors asking for gardening advice.
I particularly love the ‘Lemon and Lime’ variety, with its variegated foliage that brightens up even the shadiest corners of my garden.
7. Irish Yew
Last but certainly not least is my latest garden addition – the Irish Yew.
Its bright green foliage takes on the most beautiful golden hues in sunny spots, and at 10-13 feet tall, it creates the perfect privacy screen.
What I love most is how adaptable it is – you can easily keep it trimmed to your desired width, making it perfect for those awkward narrow spaces between houses or along property lines.
Remember, creating privacy doesn’t mean sacrificing style or space. These narrow evergreens have completely transformed my garden from a fishbowl into a private oasis, and they can do the same for yours!
Just remember to check your local hardiness zones before planting, and don’t be afraid to mix and match these options to create your perfect green screen.