Cynthia Erivo's evergreen hedging embodies the art of privacy planting – a master gardener explains how to recreate her look
The backyard of Cynthia Erivo's home balances clever planting for privacy, with a wild and verdant feel for a beautiful background

Our backyards have the power to tell our stories in the same way as our interiors. Though less attention is often paid to these outdoor spaces as sites of design, this couldn't be further from how we use these spaces.
For instance, Cynthia Eviro's backyard landscaping was recently the site of an Instagram photoshoot, revealing all of the stunning greenery she uses to transform the outdoors of her home. Her garden space features gray slate tiles and gray slate walls. In front, towering hedges reach to the top of the wall, acting as a backdrop to the succulents she has placed in standing planters.
Though the garden looks stunning, it goes beyond beauty to provide practical benefits for the actress. Thomas Rutter, master gardener and Content Editor at Homes & Gardens explains: 'Using evergreen hedging is a great way to screen boundaries and create a sense of enclosure. As Cynthia Erivo shows, taller shrubs help to cover garden walls and fences, and whether you enjoy bamboo, yew or laurel, there are many privacy hedges that can help to create this effect.'
A post shared by Cynthia Erivo (@cynthiaerivo)
A photo posted by on
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.
Named 'All Summer Beauty,' this Hydrangea is a compact, long-blooming mophead variety that produces big, bouncy flowers on 4 ft shrubs. It's the perfect way to bring an element of Stewart-approved charm into our gardens.
These beautiful little flowers are an easy way to brighten your garden. Plus they're perennials so you only need to plant them once.
To create a similar feel in your own garden idea, think about how to make it varied. Thom adds: 'I would also suggest incorporating flowering climbers at the edge of your plot, which will help with creating cover and privacy but will also prove popular with local wildlife who seek shelter and protection during the nesting season.'
However, if you do pursue this path, as per usual, pruning is of the utmost importance, both for your plants and the wildlife that inhabit them. Thom explains: 'Whatever you grow, knowing when to cut hedges to protect nesting birds is important. Many birds will make their nests in hedges during the spring breeding season, anytime from March and April, so it is always best to put the shears away at this time to ensure that you do not disturb or damage nests.'
A garden is more than a collection of plants; it can be a gorgeous celebration of the outdoors that transforms your house into a home.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
Sophie is a London-based News Editor at Homes & Gardens, where she works on the Celebrity Style team. She is fascinated by the intersection of design and popular culture and is particularly excited when researching trends or interior history. Sophie is an avid pop culture fan. As an H&G editor, she has interviewed the likes of Martha Stewart, Hilary Duff, and the casts of Queer Eye and Selling Sunset. Before joining Future Publishing, Sophie worked as the Head of Content and Communications at Fig Linens and Home, a boutique luxury linens and furniture brand. She has also written features on exciting developments in the design world for Westport Magazine. Sophie has an MSc from the Oxford University Department of Anthropology and a BA in Creative Writing and Sociology from Sarah Lawrence College.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
-
Best hydrangeas for small spaces – 5 floral shrubs that will transform compact yards
A garden expert reveals the best hydrangeas for small spaces to grow this year
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
Best tropical plants – 15 expert picks to create your very own backyard paradise
Plants Choose bold colors and dramatic foliage to give your yard the feel of being somewhere warmer
By Tenielle Jordison Published