Even though you may love your neighbors, sometimes you just want to step outside for a little fresh air without having a conversation. With lots becoming smaller and the houses that sit upon them bigger, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to maintain a sense of privacy in your own backyard.

If you’re hoping to find some solitude, then check out these great solutions for keeping out the curious onlookers and turning your backyard into a private oasis.

Create a living barrier

While constructing a fence seems like the most obvious solution, it can feel like you’re cutting yourself off from the rest of the community. Not to mention that sometimes fences can be less than aesthetically pleasing. So why not create a living fence? Living fences can be grown from just about anything, including trees, shrubs, flowering bushes and bamboo. Choose plants that fit your climate and provide visually appealing barriers between you and the neighbors.  While it may take time for your living fence to fill in, the end result will be something both you and your neighbors can enjoy for years to come.

Install a pergola

While it doesn’t block out nosy neighbors entirely, a pergola can be a great choice – especially for those whose backyards have great natural views that shouldn’t be blocked. The columns can provide a little privacy while vines growing up and into the canopy can keep the people in houses above from seeing you. The plants will also keep your seating area shaded, perfect for sunny summer days.

Use curtains around seating areas

Maybe you just want to have a little privacy when you’re entertaining outside. Outdoor curtains placed around a patio or deck can be used when you want to create a private retreat. Not only can they create a cozy outdoor room, they can also enhance your décor. And when you want to enjoy the full view of your backyard, all you have to do is tie them back. This is a great option when you want the best of both worlds. Just be sure to choose curtains made with outdoor fabric that resists fading and mildew.

Build a trellis

A trellis is the perfect solution for homeowners who want to interrupt sight lines without walling in their entire backyard. A trellis can be used to support climbing plants or flowering vines that create a beautiful focal point in your outdoor space. It can even be used as a vertical garden to grow vining vegetables such as beans or peas.

Assemble tall garden pots

Using an array of tall garden pots planted with shrubs or ornamental grasses can also help to create a sense of privacy when they are placed close together. The advantage to using pots is that they can be moved, so you can create privacy wherever you need it.

Mask sound with a fountain

When we think of privacy, we often think of protecting ourselves visually. But don’t forget about sound! Conversation travels, as does traffic noise. You can create a greater sense of privacy in your backyard space by installing a fountain. The soothing sounds of trickling water will not only give your backyard a peaceful feeling, but they’ll also block out ambient noise.