It’s that time of the year when we’re all starting to think about sunny weather and it’s lovely to be able to get out into the garden again. But if you’re to enjoy the space at its very best, some work will be involved, whether it’s weeding and mowing, or redesigning some key features to give it a whole new look. One element of a garden that’s often overlooked and relegated to the realms of the practical is the garden fence. Its main function might be to separate one garden from another, providing a handy boundary that we all respect, but we shouldn’t underestimate its importance. The type of fence you have can really affect the look of your garden.
Choose a pale-wood finish for a contemporary look. If you’re a fan of low-maintenance gardens, go for wooden decking instead of a lawn. Use the same varnish on the fence and flooring for a cohesive feel, but don’t worry about lining up all the planks. You don’t want it to look too planned out. Hanging a mirror will reflect sunlight and add interest to your fence – it’s also a neat trick for making a small garden appear bigger than it is.
Move old shutters from the interior to the exterior to create an innovative garden fence that has plenty of eco credentials. Give them a coat of paint – grey is a good colour for a backdrop, as it pretty much goes with everything, but white would look fab, too, especially when it starts to look a bit rougher and less pristine! Use hooks to display pretty potted plants – buckets work well, as their handles make them easy to hang!
Hide away with an extra-high fence that provides all the privacy you could ever need – especially if you have curious neighbours! Narrow lengths of willow create a bamboo-style effect and are ideal for screening an existing fence if you don’t want to start completely from scratch. Willow screening can also add height to a short wall or fence, or you could even use it to keep the compost heap hidden from view.
Jazz up a plain wooden trellis fence with jam-jar-style tealight holders that look super pretty even during daylight hours. Use secure but unobtrusive nails to hang them so that they look almost like they’re floating. A variety of shades will work well, but clear jam-jar tealights would also look great. At night, enjoy their warm glow from the comfort of a nearby garden chair – bliss!
Make passers-by feel that bit happier, when they catch sight of your front garden with a difference. We all dream of a white picket fence, but if you’re lucky enough to have one, why not take the plunge and go for something a little more daring? Stick to pastel hues for a pretty, rather than garish, look.