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Planning Your Garden

Fences And Hedges

I HAVE already pointed out how insistently the boundaries of a small garden declare themselves. Whichever way we turn the vista is closed by a wall or fence, and whatever expedients weadopt to render these artificial frontiers inconspicuous — whether by growing greenery over them or trees and shrubs against them — we cannot entirely keep them out of sight. I have shown, however, that by adopting a rectilinear treatment they can be made to harmonize with the garden lines. But that will not help us much if the fence itself is an eyesore.

The suburban gardener very often has to take things as he finds them, but he who builds his house has the matter in his own hands, and for his guidance, therefore, I may offer some suggestions on the subject of fencing. I must make a passing reference to walls. All walls are much alike, but it is worth while to make the wall high enough to permit of growing vines upon it when it receives full sun. A height of six feet in most cases would be sufficient for the purpose.

As regards the fence there are two considerations — appearance and durability. The former implies both design and surface, the latter, material.

Of the woods available, oak is unquestionably the best for a fence, not only on account of its long life under all conditions of weather, but on the score of appearance. It should not be painted or its charm of color will be destroyed. Who has not seen and admired the pearly grays and opalescent tints of an ancient park fence, and noted how admirably it harmonized with the natural growth at its foot? I know of nothing which better accords with flower and foliage than the weathered surface of an old oak fence. If the pales are cleft, so as to show the natural figure of the wood, the effect will be better and the life of the fence longer. Under ordinary circumstances a height of five feet is sufficient, but with open country around and no likelihood of intruders less height may be desirable particularly if there is an attractive landscape beyond.