I thought I knew privacy planting, but Goldie Hawn’s ‘70s hedging raises the bar – it’s a Tudor-style masterclass in manicured seclusion

Let’s be honest: privacy planting is no easy feat. You have to balance keeping away prying eyes with aesthetics, and without covering the house completely. After two years of studying celebrities’ best efforts, I thought I knew everything there was to know about the technique.

Goldie Hawn’s hedging proved me wrong. It shows that proper hedging can celebrate the home and offer seclusion. I spotted her privacy planting in an archival image of her Los Angeles home from 1978, featured on a postcard of Hollywood homes.

Though it’s decades old, it still serves as the perfect blueprint for balancing concealment with style. The following are the lessons in landscaping with hedges I’m taking from the image of Goldie’s home.

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First, privacy planting should complement the architecture of the home. In this case, Goldie’s manicured hedges are the perfect match for her Tudor-style house.

These homes take inspiration from early 20th-century romanticism, with facades that imitate the characterful exterior of medieval houses. Thus, her ultra-manicured hedges echo these influences with a look that can be found across castles and estates in Europe. Rather than covering the entire house, they conceal just the right amount while helping the design to stand out.

Furthermore, Goldie’s planting shows the importance of pruning hedges in a variety of shapes.

Though my instinct is generally to stick to one style, the actress has chosen to feature both rounded and angular hedges on her property. The rectangular shapes are positioned against the outside wall, and next to the house, while two spherical hedges flank the front door. This contrast creates visual interest that instantly makes the outdoor space feel more grandiose.

Another lesson I’m taking from Goldie’s home is to work in harmony with the hardscaping. For instance, her front hedges work as an extension of the brick fence that demarcates the edge of her property. This makes the fence feel more imposing while increasing the amount of greenery in the yard. The other hedges line the driveway, creating strong, striking boundaries. Rather than being at odds, Goldie’s planting demonstrates that these elements can work together to create an ideal privacy layout.

Finally, Goldie’s front yard landscaping idea demonstrates that the best privacy planting happens across multiple levels. The hedges against the fence are much taller, keeping away prying eyes on the street. However, the shorter hedges against the house give it a more welcoming facade. A tree arching across the side offers shade, privacy, and visual interest. All together, this variety makes the house look intriguing and beautiful.

Even after years of studying, there are always more things to be learned about landscaping. Looking to the past is one of the best ways I’ve found to keep educating myself.