Fences are a quick and cheap alternative to walls. They act as windbreaks, hide an ugly view and outline a boundary Height provides privacy but high walls or fences throw long shadows, keeping off sun and rain, which can be a major problem in a small space. While hedges and trellis filter the wind and reduce its strengths, wind is only diverted by a solid barrier. A lower fence, topped with trellis and covered in climbing plants, provides a better alternative and still gives privacy
Fences make an instant boundary, take little space and provide instant privacy. They are erected on posts which may he of wood, concrete or metal. These can be fixed into the ground directly, set into concrete, attached to a concrete spur or pushed into the top of a metal spike driven into the ground. In the two latter methods a timber post is not in contact with the soil and so is likely to last longer. Concrete posts ate the longest-lasting but are visually less compatible with timber fencing.
Fences come in a wide range of materials and designs to suit every situation and type of garden
Panel fencing is the simplest high fence to construct and is cheap to buy. There are two designs, overlapped and interwoven. The overlapped panels provide more privacy. Panels of either design are .fixed to posts but are not very strong and arc difficult to repair.
Close board fencing is tougher and can be made to any height. It is made from overlapped boards held into position on horizontal, triangular-shaped rails. The hest method of construction for bode types includes a gravel hoard. This runs along the bottom to protect else board ends from damp, and is easy to replace. The top edge of a close board fence can be straight or shaped between posts.
Woven hurdles are used in the classic cottage-garden fence. Hurdles come in a range of heights and are usually made from pliable stems of willow or hazel (which is coarser), which are woven in and out of stouter upright stems. Hurdles are not long-lasting but are easily portable and provide a good temporary barrier while shrubs or a hedge grow
Picket fencing, either stained or painted white, provides a good, low boundary for a front garden. It is constructed in a similar was to close board fencing but with spaces between the uprights. The top edge of each upright may be rounded, pointed or cut in any design.
Post and rail baffle, or ranch fencing, is simpler in design, constructed from posts linked with two or three horizontal rails. Wire is often fixed between the rails in country areas to keep animals out. Wire with concrete posts forms the simplest of designs. 'lb hide the basic structure plant fast-growing evergreen climbers along its length. Plastic-coated chain link or chicken wire provides additional plant supports.
Plastic fencing is an easy- maintenance option but is not as strong as most other materials. Available in ranch style or as post and plastic-coated chain.
Trellis fencing conics in a wide range of widths, heights and thicknesses, in both timber and plastic and in square or diamond shapes. Expanding trellis is also available but is not very strong. Trellis makes an excellent internal divider. It can also form attractive open areas in a tall boundary fence and can be fixed to the top of it wall or fence to give extra height for climbing plants.
