Sunlight, Flowers and Neighbors

[IvyWitch]

I need some advice from you experienced homeowners.

I live in a condo that currently has a wonderful view of another row of condos from both the back and the front. I'm a bit of a private person, and I have a lot of nosy neighbors, so I usually keep the shades closed all the time. The problem with this is that as a result I get very little sunlight, and so do any houseplants I decide to take in.
Will getting the "sunlight" light bulbs help with either problem? Is there a way to get some light in my house without compromising my privacy?

[Nitefalle]

Could you leave the shades open while you are at work during the day (and no one is home)? Or is that not a viable option?

[PandoraHealer]

I would get some sheer curtains.
my grandmother uses the plant lights all winter- she keeps her houseplants on her porch where its really cool all summer but WAY too cold in the winter. she puts the plants in her garage with the light over them- they seem to do great. Don't know if it would work all year round...

I also have a few plants that dont get any sun in my house- just because of where they are... i've not had a problem with those...

hope that helps
BB-PH

[sarabethv]

Plant lights will indeed work inside and all year round. Do you have a space where you can have a little indoor garden?

Privacy - good luck. Frosting the windows will work, but I don't know how expensive that is.

[Hærfest Leah]

Do you have balcony's you could put tall plants on in front of the windows or smaller ones across the sill. They would block out some of the incoming view when the shades are open. I don't blame you I like my privacy too.

[odd_duck71]

If you're artsy, you could get some glass paint and do a faux stained glass thing. Some light gets through, but you would probably still need the plant lights.

[Tanya]

easy.... go haunt some thrift stores and buys some old marcame pot hangers, hang your plants thickly over the window at different hieghts....then scrounge up a cheap wire plant stand or two, and.. more plants... the plants now create a screen so you have a bit of privacy, and you get the light and flowers!