Monday, January 30, 2012

Fence as focal point?

I've just installed a split rail fence (two posts, two horizontal rails, two slanting finish rails at each end) at the top side of a hill in front of our home, closer to the home then the property line. We plan on planting wild flowers from the fence down to the property line. My partner is conserned that the fence looks like it's in the wrong place as she feels that fences should be only used for the division of properties and potetial buyers would see it as a property line. is she right?

Fence as focal point?
An elderly neighbor has a small section of fencing that is purely decorative in effect. It's used as a focal point like you are considering. It backs his flower beds, and he has something blooming against it for all seasons so it doesn't ever sit barren (except for during winter). Particularly nice are the large canes of wild roses and the vining clematis that actually twine around the fence. While large beds of wildflowers are lovely, from my experience you will have barren periods in the spring before they bloom, and in late fall when everything dies back and you have dried stalks. It might be nice to have some spring bulbs and maybe some fall mums to stretch the season, or some everbearing roses or decorative colored foliage. If you do the wildflowers, make sure to shake out the seeds at the end of the season so they reseed themselves for the following year.
Reply:Thank you all for your answers, the issue still isn't solved, but I'm thinking in the spring with the wild flowers, her opinion will be resolved closer to mine. But that's ok, as it's a running joke in our home now anyway. Report It
Reply:No. You can use many things to decorate. Sounds like a great focal point and should be beautiful with the wild flowers. Don't decorate like everyone else--be creative. I've done somethings at my present house that people just don't do and everyone laughed. I look around now and everyone is copying me. What a compliment!



My latest plan-I bought an 18' above ground pool for my enjoyment but need to put a small fence around it for insurance purposes. I'm going to use stock panel 16' x 4.5 feet-heavy metal rods that make about 5" sturdy squares. I'm going to use landscaping timbers for posts and overgrow it with butterfly vines-a dark green vine with yellow flowers. When the seed pods form they dry into brown butterflies-some African Iris with yellow flowers and a touch of lavender. I need to find something lavender and it should be beautiful. Can't wait for it to warm up a bit.
Reply:Fences make a good focal point as you say, that's what we've done and, as a filler. You can plant vines and flowers from there.
Reply:Nothing wrong with the fence.

Just keep in mind, most wild flowers only bloom a short period of time, and look pretty sad after that. If you are in a rural setting, no problem.

Consider a variety of rose that is adapted to your area, and let them grow wild. Please do at least 15 minutes of research, or you will have years of headaches to come.

Never forget the old stand by, a few 500 to 1000 Lb boulders add a nice visual impact.


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