Don’t fence me in

Image courtesy of anankkml / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

What do you picture when someone says the word fence?  Perhaps you envision white picket fences or maybe the high lattice edge fences in suburban communities.  The word fence simply means to mark a border, control access, or to avert escape.  Now think of all the artistic and unconventional possibilities of how you could present a “fence”. 

Curve Appeal

Commonly, fences are measured and erected in a straight line with adjoining precise corners.  Given the space and overall design idea of your yard, why not add some interesting curves to your fence?  Perhaps you have a majestic tree on your property line.  Imagine the fence gently scooping around the tree giving way to an interesting shaded seating area.  You could follow the natural curves of your existing garden to add an interesting fence to the space.  A curved fence not only provides the border and control access to an area, but also can become a showpiece in and of itself. 

Not your ordinary fence panel

Materials used for fence panels do not need to be restricted to wood or composite components.  Materials can be repurposed to add an interesting design twist on a common fence panel.  

• In an area where you want to let more light in to the yard or extend your view beyond the borders of your property, you could add a stained glass panel to the fence.  This addition would add a light and colorful break to a continuous fence system.   
• Wrought iron and metal art are found in many homes these days.  You can walk in to any home design store and find interesting pieces ranging in shape and size.  Incorporating one or more of these pieces add an artistic flair to an ordinary fence and over time will take on a beautiful weathered patina. 
• Plants and shrubs can inspire your fence design.  Depending on the overall purpose of your fence, there are many ways to incorporate greenery in your design.  You could grow a fence of hearty shrubs, alternate greenery and traditional panels to create the border, or use climbing plants as a way to decorate an otherwise traditional fence.

Set in Stone

Stone and rocks add strength and stability but can also add a seamless transition from house, to garden, to natural surroundings.  Oftentimes, giant stones are used as a retaining wall to strengthen an area but in using the stone, you open up the possibility to extend that natural stone look in to meandering path divider.  Foliage lining the stone divide can spill over allowing the rock to peak through and create an interesting partition.   

Water runs through it

Perhaps you are lucky enough to have a property with a creek running through.  This creates a natural border and one that can be left untouched or used as an outline for some of the above mentioned fence ideas.  If you are thinking about creating a water feature, perhaps use it as the divide you are looking to achieve with a fence. 

The perfect space

If you are simply looking to mark a divide or control access to an area, you may not need a traditional closed fence.  Panels can be spaced and not connected leaving room for ornamental shrubs or containers between each section.  As the greenery fills in, the space of your fence will come together and add a nice soft look that outshines the traditional fence.   

No matter the purpose of your fence, keep in mind that traditional, natural and modern can intermingle to give you a fence that is as eye catching as your garden.