Transform fences into more than mere functional features by decorating them with the appropriate plants for fence lines. Planting against plain fences can soften or camouflage them, which gives a garden a more natural look. By landscaping near the fence line, the area can be utilized more effectively, in addition to taking advantage of the vertical space.
There is much freedom when choosing the plants for your garden fence. In contrast to climbers, solid wooden fence panels require shrubs trained against them to keep the plants from climbing over them. Solid wooden fence panels do not have anything to cling to unless you erect a trellis or wires.
Larger decorative garden trellis panels are ideally suited for defining outdoor boundaries and attaching climbers to them.
A line of semi-transparent grasses or perennials may be the perfect solution if your fence is an attractive contemporary or rustic style and you want to draw attention to it. Small gardens with limited space can benefit from growing plants that grow close to the fence line and can be easily contained.
You can turn your property into a secluded retreat by choosing one of the many trees, shrubs, and vines available on the market. And they can save you a lot of money over installing an expensive fence or another privacy structure.
In this article, you’ll find various options, from climbing plants, shrubs, and perennials, that are suitable for every size and style of the yard.
Ivy
Ivy is a plant that grows in a variety of places all over the world. The aerial roots of this plant make it possible for it to climb up fences without the need for support.
The plant forms a wall of foliage and bears flowers and berries in the winter. Although it may be an invasive shrub, it can easily be trimmed back, keeping it neat and close to the fence line when it gets out of hand.
When choosing an ivy plant, you should select a climber, not a creeper. A variegated foliage plant like ‘Sulphur Heart’ will make a great addition to any garden if you want to create an interesting background for the other plants in your garden.
Chilean Satin Flower
Source: google
A Chilean Satin Flower is a slim, evergreen perennial that has clumps of narrow, upright leaves and stiff stems that are topped with white, glittering flowers. It grows best in full sun, and it does not like to be flooded with water.
The size of the plant is approximately 24 inches (60 cm) across.
Morning Glory
This twining plant is an attractive choice for fence line coverage if you are looking for fast-growing hedges. The leaves have a heart shape, and it has bright blue flowers from July to the end of October. The best bloom times are early morning and late afternoon.
A single plant can reach heights of 10ft (3m) in one season, but it requires full sun to grow. In warm, tropical climates, it remains perennial. Pruning isn’t necessary, but removing the seed pods will prevent them from spreading into the neighbour’s yard and becoming invasive.
Japanese Anemones
Source: google
Several plants are suitable for fence lines, and Japanese anemones are a great option. As well as being tall and non-floppy, they have upright flowers that seem to float above the foliage and are surrounded by rich foliage. In the late summer and early autumn, they add a nice splash of colour along the fence line and also give it a good structure.
If you are looking for frilly, pink double flowers on 5ft (1.5m) stems, try Königin Charlotte or ‘Honorine Jobert’, which has single white cups with a rounded buds.
Unlike other plants, these thrive in partial shade and dry soil, so if you have a fence with a rain shadow, this won’t be an issue. When flowers finish blooming, deadhead the plants and cut them back. You should divide Japanese anemones every couple of years to maintain their control.
Verbena Bonariensis
It is rare to find a plant that is so elegant and yet so easy to maintain. Verbena bonariensis is characterised by its small, purple flowers atop a lattice of thin stems that makes its screens stylish and see-through. It is one of those plants that grow upward rather than outward, which makes it an ideal plant to highlight a fence line in a narrow garden border due to its upward growth.
Seeds or young plants can be grown. The plants will reach 6ft (1.8m) in a season, no matter what. They will provide an attractive, frosted structure and seeds to finches, even when they die off over winter. During autumn, the plants will appreciate a layer of mulch around them.
Cypress
This elegant cypress tree provides a lot of privacy in a backyard because it is tall and slender. It’s also a fast-growing tree with a height of up to 5 feet annually, so you should be able to block out curious eyes within a few seasons. However, keep in mind that fast-growing trees also have a higher maintenance requirement.
Australian Cherry
Source: google
Sometimes called Lilly Pilly, this shrub (also spelt lilli pilli) forms a low-maintenance screen with dark green leaves tipped with pink. Plant it near fence lines, and it will grow in pretty much any soil, sun or partial shade. It also provides year-round coverage. You can never go wrong if you keep it evenly trimmed, so it offers a harmonious backdrop for the rest of your garden that will never bore you.
Climbing Roses
Rosa banksia ‘Lutea’ is the best climber as it is thornless and grows fast. The yellow flowers contrast nicely with their black foliage. This plant can grow up to 30ft (10m) high, depending on the conditions. The scented, creamy flowers of ‘Rambling Rector’ would be perfect for a fence line in a large garden with plenty of room to spare.
It is necessary to attach climbing roses to a fence through a wooden or wire trellis to train them. Tying the shoots at intervals of approximately 20 inches (50 cm) with twine or garden ties is recommended.
Hydrangea
Making learning how to grow hydrangeas a priority should be on your to-do list if you want to establish a truly stylish fence line shrub. In contrast to covering up a pretty painted fence, their “pom pom heads” will draw attention to it.
It is important to keep hydrangeas moist and not to let them dry out.
This gorgeous deciduous variety of hydrangea turns lime green to cream and then pale pink in the fall. ‘Preziosa’ has powerful mophead flowers that are light pink in the beginning and then change to a light blue/mauve in the middle.
Blue flowers are usually produced by acidic soils, while pink ones are produced by neutral soils.
Conclusion
Fence lines are a good addition to your home appeal aesthetic. It is not only that they give your yard a much-needed boost in colour and life, but they also provide some security for you and your family. Stuffing the fence with plants is a genius way of decorating the yard and making the space greener!
FAQs
What plants can I use along a wooden fence line?
In addition to adding privacy to your landscape, planting along your fence provides more vertical gardening space for edibles and ornamentals. Unlike other fences, wooden fences require plants that complement the whole design. Some options to look into include the following:
- Bamboo
- Cucumbers
- Nasturtium
- Flowering dogwood trees, etc.
Remember, the options are not only limited to the few selections above. You can be as creative as you like.
What is the best type of fence post, concrete or wooden?
There are advantages and disadvantages to both concrete and wooden fence posts. Concrete posts are perfect in areas with a lot of wear and tear or tough weather conditions.
Wooden posts are often cheaper than other materials but rot if not treated regularly. Overall, we recommend concrete posts over fence panels because they will last longer and can be easily replaced if they become worn.
What is the best way to maintain my garden fence?
Garden fences should be kept clean and painted regularly. If you live in a region where winters can be cold or rainy, it may be best to paint in the summer when they are warm and dry.
