Privacy Planting Is an Art in Marilyn Monroe’s ’50s Front Yard—Perennial Borders and Perfectly Pruned Hedging Keep It Subtle but Secluded

The garden has long served as a sanctuary—a private retreat where beauty and solitude coexist. Balancing openness with privacy is an art, and one of the most elegant examples comes from an unexpected source: Marilyn Monroe’s front yard in the 1950s.

A vintage postcard from 1956 captures Monroe’s iconic home surrounded by lush greenery—meticulously arranged trees, perfectly pruned hedges, and vibrant perennial flowers. Decades later, her front yard still offers valuable lessons in privacy planting that blend subtle concealment with natural charm.

According to experts at Garden Buildings Direct, the secret lies in layering planting at three distinct levels: borders, hedges, and trees.

Perennial Borders for Gentle Concealment
At the ground level, perennials form the foundation of a privacy scheme. These plants, which return year after year, create soft, colorful borders that obscure views without completely blocking the garden. The key is mixing taller plants at the back with smaller ones in front, combining varied textures and staggered flowering seasons to maintain year-round interest and privacy.

Shrubs and Hedges: The Mid-Level Shield
The mid-level consists of shrubs and hedges—like the rounded forms framing Monroe’s windows—that shield lower areas from prying eyes. Instead of relegating hedges to the fence line, placing them strategically around patios or seating spaces can create intimate zones separate from the rest of the garden while blocking sightlines from neighbors.

Trees for Upper-Level Privacy and Style
Finally, trees provide privacy for upper windows with elegance. Deciding between deciduous and evergreen trees depends on your privacy needs and garden lighting preferences. Deciduous trees offer seasonal privacy, shedding leaves in winter to allow sunlight, while evergreens provide year-round coverage but may cast deeper shade.

Marilyn Monroe’s 1950s garden proves that timeless techniques of layered planting continue to be effective—and beautiful. For anyone looking to create a private oasis without sacrificing charm, her front yard remains an inspiring example of how nature and design can work together to keep sanctuary subtle but secure.