Why fence your garden? As population growth booms in the southeast, so does the need for housing. Many modern developments of single-family, standalone homes in our corner of the world feature smaller lots than in past decades, putting neighbors closer to each other than before. No matter how fond we are of our neighbors, sometimes we feel the need for more privacy. Homeowners Association Covenants usually have specific rules on height, type, and placement of fencing. Even those that prohibit “front yard” fencing usually are more lenient in back yards.
Back yard fencing can benefit the gardener in several ways. It provides a visual backdrop against which plants take center stage as distracting views of the neighbors’ yards are blocked. It can also offer security. As the old adage states, “out of sight, out of mind,” so solid fencing can help reduce theft of garden furniture, art, containers, or even plants by hampering views of your valuables from passersby.
Fencing helps in preventing the neighborhood children or pets from accidentally trampling our prized specimens. It won’t deter squirrels and raccoons from visiting, but may help with preventing hungry rabbits from sampling your tasty plants. While jumping deer can easily clear most standard-height fences, they generally do not jump into an area they cannot see into. Since deer are creatures of habit, disrupting their regular travel paths with fences can redirect them away from the garden.
Fences give the gardener privacy from viewers. I don’t mind someone observing me relaxing in a lawn chair with a cold beverage while I enjoy watching the hummingbirds and butterflies in my garden, but I’m self-conscious when a surprise visitor catches me wearing mismatched clothing with muddy knees as I water and weed, usually in a most unflattering, bottoms-up posture. I don’t dress to impress in the garden – I just grab whatever is atop the pile of clean laundry. It tends to be the same baggy sweats and floppy t-shirts, over and over. Near the completion of our recent renovation project, I learned that the construction crew members who didn’t remember my name called me Mrs. Red Sweatpants.
Select fence materials that suit the style of your home. Rustic homes look comfortable with rustic fences, while more formal architecture looks right with iron or PVC fences. Keep in mind that all types will need maintenance sooner or later. Leave enough space between plants and fence so that you will have access for painting, staining, or cleaning.
Rather than growing vines directly on fences, I recommend that you position a trellis near and parallel to the fence. Secure the trellis to the fence (nylon tie-wraps are my preferred anchor) to prevent tilting. When fence access is needed, remove the anchor or cut the tie-wrap and tilt the trellis away from the fence until the maintenance is complete, then resecure the trellis to the fence. Done properly, this can be done with no damage to the vine.
Containers can be mounted directly on fences, adding another dimension or beauty. Keep in mind that elevated containers will need frequent watering in hot weather, and that water will eventually cause damage to wooden fences.
An unsung benefit of fencing is the extra level of weather protection it provides, blocking harsh winds. A tightly spaced development retains more heat in winter. Often that degree or two of warmth makes it possible to grow tender plants that might die in more exposed locations.
One critical item to consider: all fencing should have at least one gate so that the enclosed area can be accessed by lawn equipment. A double-width gate makes vehicular entry possible. This may not seem important initially, but when it is time to spread fresh mulch, you will appreciate the ability to spread directly from a truck or trailer rather than pushing mulch or new plants into the secured area one wheelbarrow at a time.
Nasturtiums peek through an open-weave fence
An open slat fence pairs with shrubs to offer as much privacy as a solid stockade fence.
Fencing can save delicate plants from rowdy pups.