Garden boundary lines are an important part of your property. They tell people where your land begins and where they ought not to step without an invitation. However, some boundaries are downright boring, in fact I’d go so far as to say they’re ugly. That’s where vertical landscaping comes into play. Finding ways to make the vertical surfaces in your garden visually attractive and even productive.
An attractive fence provides the backdrop for a flowering Trachelospermum Jasminoides plant.
It’s no secret that my primary passion is paving. I love the way a precision laid patio or driveway can completely transform the look and feel of an outdoor space. That said a pristine patio surrounded by a ramshackle fence doesn’t quite have the same visual impact as I’d quite hope for.
We all of us look up, down and all around (I’m sure I’ve heard that on one of the TV programmes my twins like to watch) and for ultimate garden enjoyment, all of the surfaces need to be considered in 3D and in layers.
Starting at the lowest layer of the garden we have paving, lawns, gravel, mulch and low growing plants.
Moving up, our eyes are engaged by the plants and shrubs and perhaps furniture and fittings.
Then our gaze will fall upon boundary features such as fences, hedges and walls. Before finally settling upon the tree canopy and taller structures such as pergolas.
If we’re seated in the garden, those mid layers - hedges, fences and walls are right in our line of sight. If they are mismatched with the rest of the garden, they do tend to stick out like a sore thumb.
Vertical landscaping is a way of either blending elements into the garden and the wider environment, or making them into outstandingly beautiful features.
A garden screen creates a focal point and hides one of the less attractive corners of the plot. Screens like this are super for hiding wheelie bins and utility areas
Fences are pretty much standard in most modern properties, but that doesn’t mean they are necessarily attractive. So what can you do to make them easier on the eye?
If you have a beautiful view beyond the garden, and you feel as though you are living in a fairly safe area, a post and rail fence is a subtle way of marking your boundaries. Yes, you will see it, but your eye is more likely to focus on the vista beyond. A post and rail type fence makes your garden feel as though it is part of the landscape.
When you want your garden to feel part of the wider environment, but you also want to feel secure, a sturdy fence cloaked with climbing plants is just the job. As well as climbers you could plant a selection of trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennials to blur the fence line.
For a modern minimalist feel, cedar slats installed horizontally offer a warm and interesting look. Alternatively, you can’t beat composite fencing. It’s instantly attractive and super-easy to care for.
A plain fence is transformed afterdark by cleverly positioned outdoor lights
At the risk of sounding old-fashioned, I love a well maintained hedge. That probably stems from the enjoyment my whole family gets from spending every spare moment out in the countryside. I’m fascinated by the benefits hedges offer to wildlife. From pollen-rich spring blossoms to sheltered spots for birds, hedgehogs and insects needing safe places to hide.
When I was a boy, hedges were planted from stick-thin bare root plants and took a 2-3 years to thicken up. Now, it’s possible to buy a fully grown hedge so that you get that instant visual gratification.
Living walls are becoming more and more popular in commercial developments. You see them on shop fronts and sometimes even inside restaurants. You don’t need soil to establish a living wall. That makes them perfect for patios, balconies and gardens where the topsoil is poor quality.
Basically, a living wall is a series of plant pots or troughs fixed to a vertical surface and usually (but not always) with an inbuilt irrigation system. Plants are chosen for their suitability to growing with a limited root-run and for the microclimate. For example, on a north facing wall I’d advise planting ferns, christmas roses and other shade loving plants.
Flint walling is commonplace in the Norfolk village where I live
In the part of Norfolk where I live, flint is a commonly used building material. Gardens hereabout sometimes have flint faced walls and I’m lucky enough to have a fantastic flinter on my team.
I won’t pretend that flint walls are quick or easy to build - it takes planning and patience. But my goodness, they’re worth the investment!
The utilitarian blocks used to construct this raise bed divider are hidden by split faced stone cladding
If you have a plain but solid vertical surface, your vertical landscaping could include cladding or tiling. Some folks like to use coloured tiles to remind them of a mediterranean holiday, others like the textural effect of split-faced stone walling. Either way, cladding and tiling are great ways of making a vertical surface more interesting.
Last but not least, clever garden lighting will make sure that your vertical landscaping can be appreciated at any time of the day. Create a wonderful ambience for a summer evening with well placed lights. In winter, lighting allows you to enjoy your garden from the comfort of your living room.
How will YOU make the most of your outdoor vertical surfaces?
For ideas and inspiration, contact Danny to arrange a consultation