Gardening can be a multifaceted joy, and these eight plants offer more than one reason to make them a staple in your outdoor haven. A vibrant wall of blossoms creates an idyllic backdrop for summer gatherings, and when paired with aromatic fragrances, it can significantly enhance the allure of your garden.

These selections also come with the added advantage of acting as natural barriers against intrusive neighbours, offering much-needed seclusion in suburban settings. The following species have been recommended by experts as the top choices for plants that can transform your garden into a private, fragrant sanctuary.

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Megan McConnell, plant information director at Monrovia, and Laura Irish-Hanson, a horticulture educator at the University of Minnesota Extension, shared their top picks with AOL for screening plants that offer more than mere privacy.

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Wisteria.

A perennial favourite in cottage gardens  — wisteria is an excellent choice for a fragrant vine that can provide a natural screen for your property. They also offer great value for money, as establishing a wisteria screen may only require a few plants spaced several feet apart, allowing you to fully utilise their 8-foot spread, reported Nottinghamshire Live.

"It does best when trained on an arbor, trellis, or fence to allow a full view of the spectacular, pendulous flower clusters," McConnell advised.

Zones: 5 to 9.

Mature size: 15 to 30 feet tall x 4 to 8 feet wide.

Care requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil; keep moist.

Lilacs.

Few scents in the garden can rival the enchanting aroma of a lilac bush. This perennial favourite can be pruned strategically to form an attractive hedge, according to gardening expert Laura Irish-Hanson. She cultivates a barrier of lilacs spaced approximately 6 feet apart and trimmed to a width of 4 feet, creating a dense screen that obscures any neighbouring properties.

Zones: 3 to 8.

Mature size: 4 to 9 feet tall x 5 to 7 feet wide.

Care requirements: Full sun; sandy, well-drained soil; medium watering.

Clove Currants.

Originating from the Midwest region of North America, clove currants are deciduous shrubs renowned for their delightful scent.

"They will kind of colonise an area, and they're gorgeous," says Irish-Hanson. Their delicate yellow flowers not only add beauty but also attract wildlife such as birds and butterflies.

Additionally, the plant produces a bonus fruit that can be enjoyed raw or used in jellies and pie fillings.

Zones : 4 to 8.

Mature size : 7 feet tall x 3 feet wide.

Care requirements : Full sun; fertile, well-drained soil; medium watering and even moisture.

Crabapples

Belonging to the rose family, crabapples are known for their vibrant display and fragrant blossoms, notes Irish-Hanson. These hardy, low-maintenance trees can adapt to various soil types and are resilient against air pollution, making them a suitable choice for urban or industrial settings.

Bird enthusiasts will be thrilled to know that our feathered friends are quite partial to a certain fruit, which is hardly surprising given its potential to be transformed into scrumptious jams. However, when it comes to eating them raw, many people might turn up their noses, as the tartness of the fruit doesn't always appeal to the human palate.

Zones: 4 to 8.

Mature size: 20 feet tall x 20 feet wide.

Care requirements: Full sun; acidic, well-drained soil; medium watering.

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Gardenias.

For those who adore intoxicating scents, Gardenias are an absolute must-have. Their powerful floral and fruity fragrance is laced with hints of creamy coconut, creating an aroma that captures the hearts of many.

"Gardenias add a romantic beauty to the garden, with beautiful white flowers set against green foliage," notes McConnell. These shrubs can be neatly pruned post-summer bloom to keep your garden looking immaculate.

Zones: 8 to 11.

Mature size: 6 feet tall x 6 feet wide.

Care requirements: Full sun; acidic, well-drained soil; medium watering.

Climbing Roses are yet another classic choice for a quintessential cottage garden, offering both aesthetic charm and practical privacy. A strategically placed hedge of these roses will not only impress visitors but also shield you from prying eyes next door.

"With a variety of colors and traits, talk with a local garden center expert to find the right fit for your needs," advises McConnell. Selecting the perfect trellis, arbor, or fence to support your climbing roses may require some effort, but the stunning visual payoff is certainly worth the investment.

Zones: 5 to 8.

Mature size: 12 feet tall x 10 feet wide.

For those with a penchant for gardening, Osmanthus is a tropical-looking plant native to Japan and Taiwan, often referred to as holly olive or false olive.

"It's an evergreen shrub with broad leaves, along with tiny flower clusters that have a sweet fragrance," notes McConnell. Its dark green, ovate leaves provide a striking backdrop to the delicate flowers, making it a captivating addition to any garden space.

Thriving in zones 7 to 9, Osmanthus can reach a mature size of 10 feet in height and 9 feet in width. It requires full sun exposure, sandy, well-drained soil, and medium to wet watering conditions to flourish.

Bay Laurel

Bay Laurel is another excellent choice for gardeners seeking a versatile hedge that can be sculpted to their liking.

"Bay laurel brings a taste of the Mediterranean to gardens, along with a unique, aromatic scent that's different from many fragrant favorites," McConnell explains. Whether you're aiming for neatly trimmed hedges, topiary artistry, or simply growing it in containers, bay laurel adapts beautifully to various garden designs.

This plant is suitable for zones 8 to 10 and can grow up to 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide when mature. Bay laurel requires full sun, well-drained soil, and medium amounts of water to thrive.