Hikikomori is a Japanese phenomenon where individuals withdraw from society, isolate themselves in their rooms for years, and live entirely online. A 2018 study found it affects an estimated 2% of Japan’s workforce.
Translating to ‘a pulling away (from society)’, hikikomori have been described as living like modern-day hermits. While extreme, we see echoes of this behaviour here in the UK. Many of us, especially since the pandemic, have become more inclined to stay in, relying heavily on digital interactions rather than face-to-face connections.
This shift in lifestyle has influenced how we live, including how we view our personal spaces, like our homes and gardens. We crave privacy more than ever, but as we build our secluded sanctuaries, it’s important to remember that there’s a balance between protecting our own space and maintaining a sense of community.
The Desire for Privacy in a Digital Age
Nowadays, it seems like everyone just wants to relax in peace, often preferring digital chats over real-life conversations. This “hidden generation” of keyboard warriors isn’t just the youth – most of us are guilty of it at times. We’ve all spent hours scrolling through social media or messaging friends instead of meeting them in person.
Kids, too, are more often found gaming in their rooms with strangers than playing outside with friends. Adults aren’t much different, with countless hours spent online daily, even searching for love digitally rather than in real life. All this technological change is bound to have an impact, making the desire for privacy in our homes and gardens a top priority.
How Neighbour Interactions Are Changing
Do you remember when your gran’s garden had a small, three-foot fence? Back then, neighbours would chat over the fence for hours. Nowadays, it’s almost unthinkable not to have a six-foot barrier with a bit of trellis on top! But here’s the reality: no one is likely peering into your garden or living room unless you’re an exhibitionist. Most people are too wrapped up in their own lives, digital or not.
Yet, with more housing developments and homes being built, garden privacy is a hot topic at nearly every small garden consultation. Larger, older gardens often fare better, but it’s rare to have a home with no neighbours in sight. There’s usually a window or two in the neighbouring house that you’d prefer not to see – or be seen from. The good news is that what works for you usually benefits your neighbour too – very neighbourly indeed!
Creating Privacy Without Losing Community
Screening every window might be challenging, but there are solutions that don’t involve sky-high fences (which you can’t build anyway, thanks to planning laws). Trees can do wonders, offering privacy while attracting birds that thrive under their canopy. Pergolas, whether off-the-shelf or custom-built, can also help. Physical screens, available in various materials and styles, can be placed strategically in the garden to keep your neighbour out of sight without blocking your entire boundary.
Sometimes, the smartest move is putting a screen in the middle of the garden. It’s all about creating a flow that works for you.
A combination of pleached trees at the boundary and a pergola used to create garden privacy.
A timber pergola can be used as a shelter to create garden privacy for a hot tub.
Hedging is another excellent option. With the right species, hedges can grow taller than your fence, although you’ll need to trim them. We’ve all seen those towering conifer hedges from the 1970s that could use a friendlier replacement. Remember, good screening is all about friendliness – privacy is important, but so is keeping the peace with those living next door.
If you have a particularly nosey neighbour, you may need a few extra trees to block their view. Fortunately, planting trees and hedges doesn’t require planning permission. Just consider whether your tree will cast too much shade on your neighbour’s garden. Think about how the sun moves across the sky and where shadows will fall. If there’s a large tree already in place, how does it impact you both? And what would happen if it were removed?
Interestingly, anyone can request a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) on a tree, even if they don’t own it. So, if a nearby tree gives you the privacy you value, that’s worth considering. The best approach is to talk to your neighbours – face to face, not digitally – about tree-related issues. Sometimes, a little tree surgery can bring more light while maintaining privacy for both sides.
Balancing Privacy and Community
Your garden is your sanctuary, and it’s only natural to want to shield it from prying eyes. But while privacy is essential, it’s also worth considering the bigger picture. Maintaining good relationships with your neighbours can make your home life more pleasant. After all, that neighbour you’re screening out might just need a friendly chat over the fence now and again.
If you need help creating privacy outside, contact us to start your garden transformation today.