3 Ways For Using Your Fence As A Gardening Tool
The garden fence isnt just an ornament, even if good landscapers often make it look like one
. The major functions of garden fences are to protect the garden and provide useful structural additions for the plants. Garden fencing can look a bit confusing at first, but the easy way to find the right fence is to associate the type of fence with the needs of the garden.
Garden fence types
Fences all have their own special functions:
Solid timber fencing: Strong, reliable, and almost indestructible, these fences are real protection from the elements for any garden. They look great, and theyre very low maintenance propositions for the family home.
Picket fences: These are very aesthetic, stylized fences which allow the wind through and dont interfere with plant growth in all directions. Theyre far more useful than they look. Theyre effectively windbreaks, reducing impact, without blocking the wind, which is one of the functions of other types of fence.
Colorbond fences: These metal fences need to be set back from the plants because of relatively high heat conductivity, but theyre great for blocking salt air and dusty winds which dump tons of grit on the garden.
Pool fencing as garden fencing: Pool fences are a cross between picket and steel fencing. Theyre extremely effective as organizers in designs, as well as good safety fences for kids. Theyre also very effective at blocking access to the pool garden landscaping.
Steel fencing: Steel mesh or chainwire fencing is a good all purpose barrier. Many are designed to be almost invisible, using black or green mesh to blend in with the garden setting.
Fences as tools for garden situations
Every garden is different. Fencing requirements are also different. This is a sort of table of issues and the right types of fencing:
Location Issues Fencing type(s)
Waterfronts Wind, salt, debris Colorbond, solid timber
West facing Heat, summer sun Colorbond, solid timber
North facing Dry winds low humidity Colorbond, solid timber
Rural Animal access, heat, local climate Solid timber, picket steel mesh
Urban Heat from buildings Colorbond, solid timber
Shaded Lack of adequate light Picket fences
Garden structure and fencing
The other issues relate to the plants and their needs:
Solid timber: Solid timber fencing is the preferred base for wooden trellises for vegetables and big climbing plants like roses, bougainvilleas, etc. The fence provides a strong base for these very woody types of plant which need to be trained into shape. The big climbers look fantastic when they develop. Solid fences also provide a sheltered microclimate in hot and cold weather for other plants.
Picket fences: Good for practically any situation, easy to maintain and reliable in terms of not interfering with the natural growth of plants. Theyre the preferred option for larger flowering plants.
Colorbond fences: Very good climate controllers, and particularly valuable in terms of shelter from sea winds and very hot winds. Color bond fences are a strategic fence choice.
Pool and steel fencing: These types of fencing are the normal ornamental fences which are mainly barrier fences. Theyre good organizers, and help protect plants from roaming animals and clumsy people.
Your garden fence is a real asset to your plants. Whatever your garden needs, your fence can help.
by: Kim Jones
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