As the owner of a landscaping company, I frequently tackle the challenge of creating private, secluded spaces in exposed city environments. For an urban garden in downtown Edmonton, the client wanted an oasis feel, but the space was fully visible from surrounding office towers. We installed cedar lattice panels around the garden and planted fast-growing clematis vines to create a living wall. Within months, the foliage formed an 8-foot privacy screen.
We also added wood pergolas, which we accentuated with hanging wisteria. The vertical greenery and structures transformed the exposed rooftop into an intimate garden retreat. The key was using natural materials that would age well in an exposed setting, as well as planning the layout and plantings strategically based on the sightlines from surrounding buildings.
For a courtyard garden, we took a collaborative approach with the building owners and residents. Each resident was responsible for a section of fencing and greenery along the shared courtyard. They could design and plant their section however they chose. The result was an eclectic, whimsical barrier that gave the space a secluded feel. By engaging the users, we turned a practical need into an opportunity for community building.
With the right combination of hardscape, foliage, and community engagement, even exposed urban spaces can be transformed. The key is assessing the constraints, understanding the users' needs, and developing custom solutions that balance privacy, aesthetics, and shared functionality.
