Every home has a few hard-to-love spots — utility spouts, water nozzles, outdoor showers, wires, and awkward wall spaces that don’t exactly add to the view. For @kenziemariehome, the back wall of her home had all of the above. Instead of letting those functional areas steal attention, we decided to turn them into an opportunity — creating a lush, layered backdrop that looks intentional and effortlessly beautiful year-round.
With a mix of Southern Living Plant Collection favorites, trellises, and an outdoor shower cover, this once utilitarian space now feels like a cozy garden wall that adds both privacy and charm.
1. Hiding the Hard-to-Cover Areas
We started by identifying what needed softening — exposed spouts, wiring, and the outdoor shower connection. Then, with a combination of structure and greenery, we built layers that both conceal and highlight the best features of the space. The goal was to create a wall that functions beautifully and looks even better.
2. The Evergreen Backbone: Leyland Cypress and Fire Chief™ Arborvitae
We used Leyland Cypress along the back edge to create an instant privacy screen. Its tall, dense growth and deep green tones help the entire area feel enclosed and serene. To the right of it, Fire Chief™ Arborvitae adds a pop of warm, fiery color that deepens in fall and winter. Its rounded form and soft texture create a stunning contrast against the taller evergreens — bringing both structure and brightness to the design.
3. Texture and Movement with Dragon Prince™ Cryptomeria
For layering and texture, we planted Dragon Prince™ Cryptomeria. Its compact, mounded habit and fine, feathery foliage add softness that balances the vertical lines of the Cypress and Arborvitae. It’s a great plant for filling gaps and adding year-round greenery that still feels dynamic.
4. Soft Color at the Base with Blush Pink™ Nandina
Seated at the front, Blush Pink™ Nandina provides a light, airy texture with subtle blush tones that play beautifully off the deeper greens surrounding it. It’s a low-maintenance, evergreen accent that brings movement and warmth to the composition while softening the base of the wall.
5. Climbing Color and Height with Carolina Jessamine
To tie everything together, we trained Carolina Jessamine on the trellises. This vigorous native vine offers bright yellow blooms in spring and glossy evergreen foliage that lasts through the seasons. It softens the hard lines of the structure, adds cheerful color, and creates that “secret garden” feel — perfect for a Southern backyard.
The Result:
What was once a purely functional back wall is now a lush, layered garden feature. The mix of evergreens, flowering vines, and colorful accents turns those once-unsightly spots into a beautiful, cohesive backdrop that enhances the entire outdoor space.
With the right mix of plants and a few simple design elements, even the hardest-to-hide corners of your home can become some of the most beautiful.