Never underestimate the value of good evergreen hedging in the garden. They offer so much – from privacy and shade to color and hardiness. Arborvitae (also known as thuja) is America's favorite TV personality Martha Stewart's favorite fast-growing hedge for a reason.
These quick-growing plants can help define the boundaries of your property in a short space of time, protect from strong winds, and the sound of traffic, and support local wildlife.
If you are looking for backyard landscaping ideas, arborvitaes can quickly add structure and shape to your yard.
Hedges are as important to many professional gardeners as lawns, flower beds, and vegetable plots. Shrinking garden size also means a loss of privacy, and a hedge can be a great way to provide some seclusion, not to mention reducing noise and perhaps even noisy neighbors, and with some species, providing food for the birds. They range from dwarf forms to very tall evergreens.
If you want to replicate Martha Stewart's impeccable landscape, we recommend planting your arborvitae now. Early fall is a great time to plant green boundaries for privacy and shelter – and they are better for garden wildlife than fences or walls. This tree is low-maintenance and popular for this reason – as well as its evergreen beauty.
This dense evergreen conifer has fan-like sprays with a spicy aroma. Arborvitae is a popular choice for any garden, displaying fresh green in spring and copper bronze shades in the fall. it can be prone to drying out, so it needs watering in spring and summer, and mulching to seal in the moisture over winter.
However, do bear in mind that arborvitae grow fast. They can achieve 1-2 feet (.31- .61 m) per year initially. Once mature they will produce up to 9 feet (2.74 m) annually. Although these are very hardy plants with few issues, they do not perform well in extremely hot, dry climates, dry winds, or particularly salty conditions. They are best suited to US hardiness zones 2-7, but many species work better in zones 5-8.
This lot of 10 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitaes from Walmart is perfect if you wish to replicate Stewart's plot, while this best-selling Thuja Green Giant from Fast Growing Trees is a good privacy option. However, this Emerald Green Thuja, also from Fast Growing Trees is perfect for copying the screening you would otherwise get from a garden fence.
Thuja plants don’t need much – if any – pruning. If necessary, you may wish to remove any dead or damaged plant material. In early spring the plant can be lightly pruned on the tips to encourage the natural pyramid shape that is often preferred. I am intrigued to see how Stewart shapes hers as the garden matures.
Shop garden privacy screens
If you want to add privacy and shade to you garden without planting, I always recommend screens, trellises and large planters. I've rounded up my favorite options below.
If redoing your landscaping is not an option, your garden may simply benefit for a simple garden screen. Durable and sturdy, this decorative design is perfect for smaller gardens.
This contemporary screening option is an excellent choice for the design consciousness among us. You can even trail climbing plants up the screen for added color.
Available in three different sizes, this modern planter, designed by Leanne Ford will add shade, privacy and when used as a planter, color and texture. Oversized planters are my favorite way to add life to my garden patios.
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Fluted kitchen cabinets are the trending way to add texture and interest to your space – here's how to get the lookAdd style and tactility to your kitchen with this trending cabinet design
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How to clean brushed nickel faucets without damaging their unique finishAvoid ammonia and other harsh cleaners and stick to gentle cleaners
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Martha Stewart says 'well-made sheets are a big part of being comfortable in bed' – her bedding is quietly reduced for a short time'Getting enough sleep is a big part of being healthy, and really nice sheets help create a cozy bed': Shop her expertly designed pieces for under $20
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Martha Stewart's perfect 'hospital-corner' method gives your bed a clean, beautiful look – and it only takes one minuteStewart has practiced this neat bed-making formula for decades – you can follow her example with any sheets on every kind of mattress
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Martha Stewart's tablescape essentials include pewter pedestals, linen tablecloths, and green glasses – it's replicable from $7
The mogul sources both antique and new items for holiday gatherings, proving that mixing and matching materials is always in style
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Martha Stewart never uses linen or cotton sheets during the winter – her time-honored bed-making method is essential for this seasonStewart uses flannel sheets, down comforters, and textured throw pillows to keep her beds extra cozy in the wintertime – her technique is easily replicable
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Martha Stewart's salt trick removes red wine stains from your favorite linens – it's ridiculously easy and has already stood the test of time'You’re going to have very beautiful, brilliant white linens': The lifestyle guru has followed this stain-removal tip for decades – and it remains as useful as ever
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Martha Stewart never uses colored candles on her tables – her neutral alternatives keep her linen beautiful through the decades
'I don’t use anything but pale white or off-white candles,' Stewart revealed – we're rethinking our tablescape after hearing her reasons why
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Martha Stewart's decade-old brushing tip remains the secret to a clean, modern home – she uses a heritage product that's still affordable today
Stewart has broken down what brushes and brooms are best on certain surfaces, making spring (and year-round) cleaning a breeze
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Martha Stewart collects vintage plant pots in a statement aqua color – designers say it's the perfect accent for impactThe vivid tone of the vintage McCoy pots adds drama and impact to Stewart's Lily Pond home in East Hampton
