Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward's Privacy Planting is a Guidebook for Creating a Charming yet Functional New England Garden
Flowering shrubs, stone walkways, and tiny conifers bring the actors' garden to life – it's a masterclass in manicured seclusion
New England gardens are the blueprint for subdued elegance in a greenspace. They are private and manicured, yet with a touch of wildness that blends effortlessly into the surrounding world – and Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward's Connecticut planting is an exceptional specimen.
A 2001 photoshoot of the actors' home captured the gorgeous privacy planting surrounding their brick red Westport escape. Littered with evergreen shrubs of different heights, it is functional for blocking the windows yet incredibly charming. From a large viburnum bush to tiny conifers, the planting feels pleasantly unplanned. It is complemented perfectly by stone edging and a pea gravel walkway.
It's a reminder that privacy shrubs don't have to look like a fortress; instead, they can create seclusion while still welcoming wanted guests into the home.
Paul Newman at his Westport, Connecticut home, 2001
To unpack the multitude of lessons embedded in Paul and Joanne's Connecticut garden, Homes & Gardens consulted with the experts for their top unstructured privacy planting tips. We also curated an edit of the plants and tools you need to recreate the couple's stylish look, no matter where you live. Let's dive in.
Recreate Paul's Look at Home
If you're searching for a pretty flowering shrub, search no further than this gorgeous plant. The height plus flowers are so enchanting.
Inspired by the iconic older styles, this bright red Adirondack chair will add a pop of color to your porch or backyard. With its simple, comfortable composition and vibrant color, it's a fun take on tradition and adds a red pop to your garden without painting the home, like we see at Paul and Joanne's.
A gravel path is ideal for creating a burglar-deterrent walkway that complements the shades of evergreen throughout your garden. These polished stones are perfect for a slightly more elevated feel.
Keeping bushes pruned is the hack to keeping this look manageable - and these curved-handled pruners are perfect for accomplishing the task. Expert-approved and ergonomically designed, they're a must have.
It's impossible to talk about New England planting without pines, and this mini shrub is the perfect pick for integrating some coniferous elegance effortlessly into your yard. As in Paul Newman's yard, the slightly bluer needle color creates a welcome contrast.
Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward surround their beds with natural stones, and this pretty planter is perfect for getting the look no matter where you live. The fact that it's a container is perfect for those with more limited green space.
As opposed to just being about the plants you choose, creating a green wall that is as effective as Paul and Joanne's requires close attention to the cottage garden layout. Will Etheridge, Founder & Owner at Raleigh Tree Service states: 'The biggest piece of advice I can give your readers is: Do not plant in a straight line. If you plant trees in a single, tight row and one tree gets sick or dies, it leaves a "missing tooth" in your privacy wall that is almost impossible to replace symmetrically.'
Layering your shrubs and trees is essential to replicating their look. 'Stagger your planting in a zigzag or multi-layered matrix,' advises Will. 'For example, place a row of taller evergreens (like Green Giants) in the back, and offset a second row of smaller, ornamental trees (like Little Gem Magnolias or native Dogwoods) or dense evergreen shrubs in front of the gaps.'
He explains: 'This creates a more natural woodland look rather than a rigid green wall. It also provides airflow between the plants, which reduces fungal diseases and gives you room to replace a single plant down the road without ruining the entire design.'
Rather than planning carefully, think of planting like Paul and Joanne is more like creating a collage of greenery rather than a strict layout. Mirela Bajic, Senior Garden Designer at House Designer, tells Homes & Gardens: 'Designing with privacy plants is straightforward. I always think in layers, not just a single row. I mix evergreens with flowering shrubs so there is always something happening. In privacy planting, height matters a lot, but so does width.'
Gorgeous, layered New England-style privacy planting is the perfect idea to take your home to the next level. For inspiration, you can always turn to Paul and Joanne's house.
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