See how Jamie Lee Curtis uses trees for privacy and shade – to create a green sanctuary in Los Angeles
The 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' actress crafted a private space using a natural tool available to all – here's how to do the same


Jamie Lee Curtis won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (in Everything Everywhere All at Once) – marking yet another award-winning milestone for the actress, producer, and author who resides in Los Angeles.
Inevitably The Halloween star is no stranger to attention from the media and fans alike – but she has managed to create an entirely private space (aside from the corner she has shared) in her yard – using nature's most reliable tool.
In a photo (below), Jamie is pictured in the corner of her garden, which offers a host of outdoor design inspiration. Her bright white-painted gate and Spanifornia-style tiled floor are certainly something to note – but her choice of trees for privacy is perhaps the most interesting (and strategic) feature in her yard.
A post shared by Jamie Lee Curtis (@jamieleecurtis)
A photo posted by on
'This was the last moment before Deb went home after surprising me to sit with me during these nominations,' Jamie Lee says while surrounded by the shade of the trees.
Alongside the privacy of the surrounding greenery, the trees are equally useful for creating organic garden shade– something likely to be appreciated by Jamie in sunny SoCal. These backyard ideas are replicable far beyond the west coast, however.
'If you're looking for an attractive way to add privacy to your outdoor space, plants, and shrubs are a great option,' says David Andersen, the design director at David Andersen Garden Design.
David, the founder of his eponymous studio, has designed gardens for over 25 years of experience – dealing with various schemes from contemporary to classic and urban to country. David, along with his team, are often featured in garden publications, landscape design books, and on TV in the UK.
David recommends investing in shrubs and trees in their mature forms – saying that you can pick up trees that are already six meters tall in many cases. He suggests planting them in the ground or strategically placing pots around the desired area. He says Photinis, or Red Robin (Red Tip Photinia) – a dense plant that offers 'complete privacy' – are best for the job.
'Laurel is brilliant for screening your garden too. It's evergreen, so it's effective all year round and tolerant to all types of weather,' David adds. 'It also grows quickly, creating a lush, long-lasting screen – and its glossy bright green leaves are the perfect aesthetic for contemporary spaces.'
Marcus Eyles, the horticultural director at Dobbies Garden Centres, also praises Jamie Lee Curtis's use of greenery – saying that these trees are a more natural (and good-looking) alternative to the conventional fence. 'Instead of using walls or fences, plants can be used to create your own secluded slice of paradise,' he says.
'The plants we'd recommend for quick-growing, dense screening, which are not invasive, would be Pyracantha, Prunus Laurocerasus – also known as Cherry Laurel, or Lusitanica. Wildlife hedges, including Hawthorn, Holly, and Field Maple, are great for sustainability. Meanwhile, Hedging conifers, Privett, and Laurel also work well for screening and grow quickly.'
You can replicate her private ideas below.
Sweet Bay is an evergreen tree or shrub in the laurel family. This expert-approved plant can reach up to 60 feet tall – perfect for privacy in large gardens. However, you can also keep it trimmed and grow it in a container on your patio.
Described as cool, bright, and white – this hue resembles that seen on Jamie Lee Curtis' two gates. This formula is designed for exteriors – offering high durability to resist all weathers (if you don't have Cali sunshine all year round).
If you're working with a smaller garden, you can add privacy by weaving in greenery on a trellis such as this. We love this trellis's white color (much like the tone seen in Jamie's yard) and the lattice pattern, allowing plants to scale toward the sky.
Pre-spring, but post-Oscar win, there's no better time to follow Jamie Lee Curtis's lead.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Decor Ideas. Project Inspiration. Expert Advice. Delivered to your inbox.

Megan is the News and Trends Editor at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes. As the News Editor, she often focuses on emerging microtrends, sleep and wellbeing stories, and celebrity-focused pieces. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.
-
RuPaul's boldly decorated closet 'redefines the walk-in closet concept' according to interior designers
RuPaul's closet, designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard, is one of the boldest we've seen. It combines effortless beauty and function
By Sophie Edwards Published
-
What exactly is modern rustic style? Designers who love the look explain this timeless trend
Modern rustic is a timeless trend in the world of interior design. But how can you create this look? Design experts explain five simple ideas
By Emily Moorman Published