How to Use a Fence in a Garden Design

Choose one that fits not only your needs but also your style

There are a number of reason why one would add a fence to the garden . unremarkably it ’s to obstruct a view or keep the family pooch take . But what about adding a fence for aesthetic ground ? It may seem odd , but fencing can add one - of - a - kind interest to a quad while also serve a utilitarian function . The best fences are multipurpose . They should be not only a barrier but also a focal point , a backdrop for architectural plantings , or a way to unite your landscape and your abode . It ’s time for gardener to stop recollect of fences as stumble blocks that occlude one ’s pattern style . Although the classic paradigm of a fencing is a irksome , solid - wood wall , it does n’t have to be . Fences can be amazing garden structures . Even if you do n’t need a fencing for privacy , you might decide to impart one for look alone after seeing these examples .

Frame an Outdoor Room

The sporty lines of this sequoia fence provide the perfect background for a private , Japanese - inspired seating area . The fence ’s linear pattern and consistent height give the boundary line of the belongings more sake , too , and add to the orderly feel of the place .

Create a Physical—not a Visual—Barrier

In deer - ridden areas , growing hostas ( Hostaspp . and cvs . , USDA Hardiness Zones 3–9 ) would be impossible without a fence . The open Natalie Wood spline of this fencing tolerate looker-on to see what ’s inside the courtyard and the garden beyond , while maintain unwanted pests at bay tree .

Give the Illusion of More Space

Walls can make a small area seem cramped and close in , so this gardener decided to use a mirror in place of one of the wooden fencing panel to make the outer space find bigger . At first coup d’oeil , it seems like the beautiful garden extends through the fencing and beyond — which , of course , it does not .

Blend It into the Landscape

Sometimes all you need is a chain of mountains sawto create a barrierthat blends seamlesslyintothe landscape . For the timberland edge , the staff of the Tyler Arboretum in Media , Pennsylvania , create an optical illusion of a woodpile within a frame , but in realness , the log slice are only a mates of inches thick .

Add Definition with a Special Feature

A fence naturally definesa blank , but when a section of that fencing is just a spot more special than the remainder , it ’s a signal that the area imply more . In this case , a long , tall panel with Asian flair deck the sharpness of a serene and umbrageous dining area .

Give an Eyesore a Face-Lift

When confront with an unattractive but functional wire fencing , this gardener interplanted the panels with an evergreen vine . Some light pruning is needed to keep the verdure in check , but the outcome is an challenging , living paries that does n’t fade into the ground .

Enhance Structural Plants with Steel

Industrial metallic element , bent to form a geometric pattern , is the perfect fencing cloth for a garden with architectural plants , like this horsetail rush ( Equisetum hyemale , Zones 3–11 ) .

Build a Sense of Security

This corner - batch front yard is exposed to dealings and passersby on two sides . A depressed , curving fencing , arrange back from the lines of the sidewalk , rounds out the corner and makes the space feel embraced and secure . It also provide a backdrop for inventive planting on both sides . A bubbling fountain serves as the focal breaker point and goes a long means toward masking dealings noise .

Which Way to Preserve Wood for Outdoor Use?

Not all fence are made of wood , but a great many are . So it ’s important to varnish these structures by rights with products plan for exterior enjoyment so that they will last for old age to come . Here are the three rough-cut options .

Exterior Paint

Pros :

Limitless colouring material options

well-situated to lend oneself

Low odor and cost

Cons :

Touch - ups take after just a few years

Peeling and chip are common

Deck Sealant

Long lasting ( five to seven years )

cleared pelage spotlight wood ’s natural characteristics

Multiple coat needed

Some higher - quality brands are expensive

fume can be caustic

Outdoor Stain

leisurely wipe - on / hitch - off diligence

low-down price

Longest - lasting preservative ( seven to 10 years )

Highlights wood ’s instinctive characteristics

Limited people of color options

fade in full - sunlight exposure is vernacular

Streaking can occur after reapplication

Michelle Gervais and Danielle Sherry are editors who like they had way in their garden for more fencing .

pic : Brittany Leandra ; Brandi Spade ; Danielle Sherry ; Michelle Gervais

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A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo

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