We Like Our Neighbors…
But We Want Some Privacy!

To Hedge or Not to Hedge?

One of the most common requests we hear from homeowners is: “We want an evergreen hedge around the perimeter of our property.”
Before we start planting, we like to ask a few questions: What is the goal? What are you trying to screen? Do you want to completely block the view of your neighbor’s property, or are you simply looking for a little more privacy?
A solid wall of evergreens can be expensive, and planting only one type of plant creates a monoculture that can be more vulnerable to insects and disease.

Think Beyond the Hedge

A mixed planting can often provide better screening, more visual interest, and more value for your landscape dollar.
Instead of creating a straight wall, we can strategically place trees and shrubs where they will have the greatest impact.

A large tree might be all you need to screen a neighbor’s shed. A few strategically placed taller plants can block views into your yard from neighboring windows without creating an unfriendly wall.
For larger areas, a combination of deciduous flowering shrubs, multi-stem trees, and evergreens can create a much more interesting screen. As the evergreens grow, the surrounding plants provide flowers, fall color, and changing textures throughout the seasons.

And there’s another benefit: life! A diverse planting can attract birds and butterflies, turning your privacy screen into an active part of your landscape.

Frame the View—Don’t Just Block It
Privacy doesn’t always mean blocking everything.
By defining your lines of sight, we can use the landscape to hide the views you don’t want while framing the ones you do.

Different plant shapes, colors, and textures can create interest throughout the year.
Even a small, curved planting bed can provide just enough privacy from a road or driveway without creating a solid, straight line. It can also create a more natural transition and preserve beautiful views beyond the property line.

The Bottom Line
The best privacy screen isn’t always a hedge.
With thoughtful design and the right mix of trees and shrubs, you can gain privacy, stretch your budget, add seasonal interest, and create a landscape that feels like a beautiful garden—not a wall.
Sometimes the best way to hide something is to design what you want people to look at instead.

Some more ideas on specific plants for hedges right on the Broccolo website: Hedge Article

Want to plant a Hedge or Privacy Plantings?
Call us at 585.424.4476

Penfield Business Chamber

The inaugural event for the tavern license fittingly was Chamber on Tap!
From Penfield Chamber:

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our August Chamber on Tap!

We had a wonderful evening of networking, connecting, and catching up with fellow PBC members and friends.

A special thank you to B-Friendly Farm & Gardens for hosting us and helping make the evening such a great one! What a lovely venue and event space — to gather, connect, and enjoy the evening.

If you haven’t had a chance to visit B-Friendly Farm & Gardens, be sure to check them out!

Don’t forget the Broccolo barn is available for events – free for non-profits!