fence II
For backyards where you're looking for a bit more privacy, tall solid wood fences are great when paired with an open top section. A bit of negative space at the top of the fence line is a nice decorative element as well. I love the level of detail in this fence pattern mixed with the curved wood gate.
LATTICE ON TOP Make small gardens feel bigger. White fences or walls enclosing a small space can feel confining, while darker hues tend to visually sink into the background. In this Sydney garden, a small deck outside the kitchen window has just enough room for a cafe table for two. Painting the wall a medium charcoal and adding subtle down-cast lights make the space feel larger and more inviting.
Brick walls tend to transport the mind to places like Charleston, South Carolina, or the Gulf Coast. In shady locations they can be left to age and grow moss, as shown here, or can be painted for a more updated look to form a connection with more contemporary architecture. When to use: Brick walls are at the upper end of the cost spectrum but, when properly installed, can last for many generations. They are easily cleaned and maintained. They can be installed as a solid wall or contain patterns formed by negative space. When not to use: Brick walls generally do not play well with with stone houses or very contemporary homes. Points to consider: A proper footing is vital to the longevity of a brick wall. Without this the wall can crack and crumble. When choosing a planting scheme to complement an unpainted brick wall, consider the predominant hues of the brick, or go with dark green for a more traditional look.
It is one of the less expensive fencing materials, and the fact that it can be sealed, stained or painted gives it excellent versatility. When the lumber is tightly spaced, it provides excellent privacy, or the lumber can be spaced out more to provide air circulation and reduce the initial cost. When to use: When privacy and functionality are prime considerations. Points to consider: This type of fence will need to be resealed, painted or stained at regular intervals to preserve its appearance and durability. When planting in front of a solid vertical wooden fence, consider a contorted tree or vine as a focal point. Plants like weeping blue atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica ‘Glauca Pendula’, zones 6 to 9), contorted filbert (Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’, zones 4 to 8) or American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens, zones 5 to 9) are good choices.
When to use: A vertical metal fence is appropriate in front of a multistory home, as it raises the eye to see the entire dwelling. When painted a dark or vibrant color, it then pulls the eye back down and grounds the vignette. A lush green planting palette with perhaps just a hint of color finishes the elegant scheme without detracting from each architectural element.
The first step is knowing your dogs. Are they jumpers or diggers? How high can they jump? Are they likely to try to escape from your yard, or are they generally content to hang out? A 3- to 4-foot fence could be adequate for smaller dogs and those who do not jump; larger dogs will need something taller. If your dogs are diggers, bury the fence at least 6 inches underground or place hardscaping along the fence line.
Add a hedge. Fencing experts will tell you that deer can jump high and they can jump far, but they can’t do both in the same leap. Thus, one way of keeping them out is to have some sort of obstruction on one or both sides of the fence — a hedge is a logical thing to use. Greenery makes a lovely complement to any fence, softening the straight lines and verticality of the structure. The wider the hedge is, the lower the fence can be. Just don’t forget to close the gate, or all your efforts in fence building will be for nothing.
Add a hedge. Fencing experts will tell you that deer can jump high and they can jump far, but they can’t do both in the same leap. Thus, one way of keeping them out is to have some sort of obstruction on one or both sides of the fence — a hedge is a logical thing to use. Greenery makes a lovely complement to any fence, softening the straight lines and verticality of the structure. The wider the hedge is, the lower the fence can be. Just don’t forget to close the gate, or all your efforts in fence building will be for nothing.
Beyond this pool, stacked fieldstone makes up a knee wall for aesthetics and Emerald Green arborvitae trees rise for privacy. To meet the pool code, there is a black vinyl-coated welded wire mesh fence behind the trees, but, as John R. Conte says, it disappears into the foliage. Like a hedge, a tree line can be a great way to extend vertical privacy.
For this hedge the fence is hidden inside. A wire fence, installed to meet the pool code, is embedded in the thick privet, creating both security and privacy. Brian J. Mahoney of Lear & Mahoney Landscape says that hedges are “a great way to hide an otherwise ugly but required fence.” But beware of maintenance — while the pictured privet is relatively cheap to plant, the maintenance, including triannual shearing, can be costly.
For this back wall, English laurel hedges extend beyond a thin cedar wall. Since fencing ordinances typically prevent a fence higher than 6 feet, a large hedge can be a great way to add privacy to a yard. OR KEEP OUT DEER Chauncey Freeman of Fifth Season Landscape Design also notes that the dark color of the cedar along with the hedge’s green creates a calming effect.
Here cedar posts anchor nearly transparent vinyl-coated stainless steel mesh.
Similar to how an artist might think about the composition of a painting, consider the overall composition of your window view. Separate elements close to the viewer from those farther back in the space. For close elements, it’s all about the details. You could group a cluster of small pots or a small fountain just outside a window, or frame the foreground of a garden view with a flowering vine planted nearby.
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