What Materials Should You Use For Garden Fences And Trellis

Fences form the majority of garden boundaries in this country. They are relatively cheap, easy to erect and will last up to twenty years if maintained regularly with a non-toxic preservative. NEVER use creosote which is poisonous to plants. 

Interwoven panel fencing is probably the most common type. It is fixed between concrete or timber posts which are set into the ground. To prolong the life of the fence a 'gravel' board (a wooden plank) should be set between the bottom of the panels and the ground. The gravel board can then-be removed if rot sets in. 

Close board fences are rather more expensive but last longer than interwoven panels. They take the form of overlapping individual boards nailed to horizontal rails that run between the posts. One advantage is that single boards can be removed in the case of rot or damage. Gravel boards should also be used. 

Slatted fences are rather more linear in pattern and instead of the boards overlapping as they do in close board fences they can be spaced with a slight gap in between. They associate particularly well with modern houses and can be set either vertically, on rails, or horizontally, between posts. The latter will produce a strong linear pattern that leads the eye in a particular direction. 

Wattle hurdles   are made from woven hazel stems and were originally used for penning sheep. They are usually available 1.8m (6ft) high and although they have a maximum life of ten years they look superb behind planting. They should be wired onto round posts.

OPEN FENCES 

Post and rail is the most common type of open fencing. It is stock proof and consists of either two or three rails set between posts. It affords no privacy but is ideal in a position where you wish to preserve a view. 

Post and chain is a traditional urban front garden fence. White timber posts are linked by black wrought iron chain. Anyone using the plastic version should be shot at dawn! 

TRELLIS 

Trellis is best used as a garden divider and not as a support for climbers on house walls where horizontal strands of wire are far neater. The beauty of trellis is that it allows the glimpse of a view through it - always a tantalizing prospect. 

There is an increasing range of unusual patterns available on the markets that swoop and dive all over the place. While many of these are just about acceptable in an urban garden, they can look pretentious elsewhere. They are a good example of how fashion can rear its head in the garden and, to be honest, do similar jobs as those awful ornamental concrete screens block walls that we discussed earlier. 

A simple squared trellis, preferably made from hardwood to minimize rot, is an excellent host for climbing plants. Wings of trellis to subdivide a long garden can be delightful, but remember that this kind of structure should be a vehicle for plant material rather than a feature in its own right.