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I have this in my yard. I want to try and add privacy to this area of my yard because my fence timber planks are wide apart.
Hello @tiffanyp1
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about putting plants near a sewer manhole.
Your yard has a lovely open feel, but I completely understand wanting more privacy, especially with those wide gaps between the horizontal fence slats. A practical and cost-effective way to create instant privacy is to attach a shade cloth along the inside of the fence. Bunnings carries a good range of heavy-duty shade cloths in neutral colours like charcoal, beige, and dark green that can blend nicely with your yard. For better coverage and durability, opt for a 90% or higher block out cloth.
You can fix it to the fence using galvanised flat-head screws and washer plates or shade cloth clips, spacing them evenly to avoid sagging and flapping. To keep things tidy and long-lasting, fold the edges before securing them to prevent fraying. This solution adds privacy quickly and is easy to remove or update later.
In addition to that, introducing dense, evergreen shrubs or screening plants will help soften the look of the fence while adding a natural barrier over time. You could go for plants like Syzygium australe (Lilly Pilly), which is fast-growing, hedges well, and can be shaped as it matures. Another excellent choice is Viburnum odoratissimum, known for its lush foliage and ability to provide a thick screen relatively quickly. Both of these are available at Bunnings and do well with regular watering and a slow-release fertiliser during the growing season.
If you're after something a bit more decorative, Murraya paniculata (Mock Orange) offers scented flowers and dense foliage, perfect for a more formal look. These plants can be planted in very large pots which you can technically use around the sewer manhole. I also suggest having a look at this guide - How to choose plants for your garden by @Noelle.
Combining shade cloth with plantings will give you both immediate and long-term privacy, plus it improves the aesthetics of your yard. It’s a great balance between functionality and style, and it lets you control just how much of the view you want to block off without making the space feel too closed in.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
