subject: How To Create The Perfect Garden Boundary [print this page] Whether your outdoor space comprises a small backyard or acres of garden, it is vital from an aesthetic as well as security viewpoint to incorporate visual boundaries into the garden's design.
Given the trend for creating dedicated areas or "rooms" within the garden, you may also need to consider adding extra boundary lines to define the different areas within your outside space.
Boundaries no longer need to be merely represented in the guise of conventional fencing - the standard garden fence has come leaps and bounds and there have been numerous developments in the fencing market resulting in a greater choice both in terms of variation and functionality. In addition to this there are also new boundary solutions to consider outside of traditional fencing.
Remember that you may need to consult with neighbours, if not from a legal point of view at least to be courteous, prior to making changes to boundaries which might affect them.
Focus on Fencing
The right choice of fencing can provide the ultimate finishing touch to your outdoor space. No longer simply a functional product to secure a boundary line and provide privacy, fencing can also be used creatively, in addition to offering a practical screening device. If you fancy a move away from traditional wooden fencing - and a maintenance free fencing option is important to you, then it's worth taking a look at some of the steel alloy rigid fencing solutions which have proved such a massive hit in gardens down under. Colourfence is a post and rail fence system made from tough steel alloy which means it can withstand the fiercest of weather conditions. Available in varying heights from 4ft to 8ft with a complete range of accessories such as gates and trellis, this type of fencing is 100% recyclable and guaranteed to be warp resistant, fade, rot or suffer damage from wind for a minimum of ten years.
Responsible Fencing
In a climate where sustainability and environmentally friendly strategies are becoming part and parcel of everyday life most of us are keen to source a timber product, which uses wood from well-managed forests. Look out for fencing brands that boast the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and / or the PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) accreditation.
Noisy Neigbours?
You may be unfortunate enough to live next door to the neighbours from hell or maybe you just need to block out the constant drone of passing traffic. Whatever type of "noise pollution" you may be experiencing it is now possible to buy attractive timber fencing which boasts highly effective noise abatement properties to restore the peace of your outdoor room!
Wonder Wall
Walls provide the ultimate in privacy and shielding and with the right choice of materials, complement Britain's natural countryside. Authentic stone walling will add rustic charm to your outdoor space and also age beautifully. Traditional brick walls add panache to any outside room and provide a lasting boundary solution. For a more contemporary walling treatment a granite effect finish such as Argent from Marshalls will deliver a stylish sophisticated feel to your garden. And if it's speed you're after Easy-Build walling options which conveniently do not require mortar and can be constructed in a fraction of the time needed for a conventional wall.
Walling is a favoured choice for garden designers looking to introduce an individual stamp on an outdoor space and has many applications beyond just offering a secure perimeter boundary. It can be successfully used for the creation of a more intimate and sheltered patio area; build eye catching (and low maintenance) raised beds and can also become the backdrop to a stunning water feature.
Wonder of Willow
If the natural look appeals then willow works every time. Hand woven fencing panels made of pliable and strong willow offer an attractive stylish fencing option which is just as at home in a contemporary town setting as it is in a typical rural cottage environment.
Willow hurdles make an attractive screen to help create dedicated zones within your outdoor space and also provide ideal protection for a young hedge by filtering wind and are available in a variety of widths and heights.
Hedge Your Bets
There's a lot to be said for boundaries that consist of plants rather than solid materials. Hedges provide shelter and food for wildlife, as well as adding colour, texture and even fragrance across the seasons. And if you're interested in planting a hedge, which can act as a burglar deterrent, planting options for the security conscious include barberry, firethorn, rose, holly, hawthorn and gorse.
Hedges are also frequently used to segment spaces within the garden, providing an entirely natural line of division between one area and another. Hedges used for this purpose also offer the additional benefit of boasting aesthetic appeal and can become a focal point in their right - mazes and topiary are good examples of this.
Hedging plants can be chosen to suit your local area - mixed native hedging looks good in a rural setting, while mop-head hydrangeas or silver-leaved sea buckthorn work well for coastal gardens. Classic hedge plants such as yew, holly and box can be easily trimmed to a particular size or shape, making them look good in a formal setting.
Hedge Healthcare
The pruning requirements of your hedge will very much depend on the species. Leylandii hedging has a terrible reputation for growing faster than its owners can keep up with, but if you are prepared to put in the work of trimming three times a year, it can be kept to a manageable size. After blooming, flowering types are often best pruned immediately; evergreens do well pruned in midsummer - this way, new growth has ripened and had a chance to harden off before the first frosts of autumn. Box hedging is traditionally pruned on Derby Day (the beginning of June). Informal hedges only need tidying up, or occasionally cutting back hard, but with formal hedges it is often recommended that they are pruned into a flat-topped 'A' shape. This means that both sun and rain can reach all the foliage the entire height of the plant, and stops the bottom of the hedge from looking slightly bedraggled.
