You’ve spent hundreds and hundreds of dollars to make your yard attractive. You’ve researched your plants; you’ve placed them with care. At last, everything is looking just wonderful, and you are finished! You stand back to take a good look around - duly proud of your landscaping accomplishments - and suddenly you notice an ugly utility box, smack dab in the middle of your newly planted perennial flower bed. What’s a homeowner to do? We have some creative ideas to help you “go undercover” and tastefully camouflage ugly yard and garden objects.

Diversion

One common error homeowners make in trying to hide eyesores is that they sometimes draw more attention to the uncomely object than ever before. The trick is to neutralize the object; try to divert attention away from it, rather than focusing attention ON it. If need be, plant a tree or flower bed or place a statue, fountain or group of container plants somewhere else in the yard. This will be the focal point. It will draw viewers’ gaze away from the eyesore, rather than to it.

For a quick diversionary measure, consider artificial rocks. Faux garden rocks have all the look of real rocks, but they are lightweight, easy to move and easy to install. Plus, they blend beautifully into your existing landscape. Decorative artificial rocks are easily installed by simply placing the rock over the unsightly item and securing the rock with the provided ground stakes. Depending on the placement of the offending object, you can add some decorative stones, mulch or low growing plants to complete the installation. The overall look will be one of cohesion and harmony with nothing being a "focal” point.

Natural Cover-Ups

Depending on the height of what you’re trying to conceal, spreading plants are a great way to use natural cover-ups to your advantage. Most spreading or climbing plants are fairly fast growers, so you won’t have to wait long to see a difference. Consider these plants as a beautiful, natural alternative for camouflage. Note: Some plants listed may not be suited to your specific area. Check with your local county extension office for species ideally suited to your climate.

Shrubs:

• Butterfly Bush
• Dogwood
• Elderberry
• Forsythia
• Flowering Almond
• Spirea
• Mock Orange
• Ornamental Grass

If vines are more your style, consider these fast-growing beauties. You can place wire mesh or small lattice work over the object to supply needed growth support.

Ivies:

• Trumpet Vine
• Clematis
• English Ivy
• Honeysuckle
• Boston Ivy
• Silver Lace
• Climbing Roses

One object that is unsightly but should NEVER be hidden is a fire hydrant. If you have one in your yard, leave it alone. Don’t try concealing it and don’t paint it. It needs to be visible.

Research taken from the following sources:

O’ Connell, John. Journal Star, “Journal Star Awards Three Area Residents for Ability to Hide Troublesome Eyesores.” Peoria, IL. July 15, 2006.

Fisher, Sue. “Fast Plants – Choosing and Growing Plants for Gardens in a Hurry.” Fireside Publishing. 2003.

Copyright 2006. www.OutdoorDecor.com
Kay Stone, OutdoorDecor.com Staff Writer