| Whether your outdoor space comprises a small | | | | And if it's speed you're after Easy-Build walling |
| backyard or acres of garden, it is vital from an | | | | options which conveniently do not require mortar and |
| aesthetic as well as security viewpoint to incorporate | | | | can be constructed in a fraction of the time needed |
| visual boundaries into the garden's design. | | | | for a conventional wall. |
| Given the trend for creating dedicated areas or | | | | Walling is a favoured choice for garden designers |
| "rooms" within the garden, you may also need to | | | | looking to introduce an individual stamp on an outdoor |
| consider adding extra boundary lines to define the | | | | space and has many applications beyond just offering |
| different areas within your outside space. | | | | a secure perimeter boundary. It can be successfully |
| No longer do boundaries need to be represented in | | | | used for the creation of a more intimate and |
| the guise of traditional fencing - the standard garden | | | | sheltered patio area; build eye catching (and low |
| fence has come leaps and bounds and there have | | | | maintenance) raised beds and can also become the |
| been numerous developments in the fencing market | | | | backdrop to a stunning water feature. |
| resulting in a greater choice both in terms of variation | | | | Wonder of Willow |
| and functionality. In addition to this there are also | | | | If the natural look appeals then willow works every |
| new boundary solutions to consider outside of | | | | time. Hand woven fencing panels made of pliable and |
| traditional fencing. | | | | strong willow offer an attractive stylish fencing |
| Remember that you may need to consult with | | | | option which is just as at home in a contemporary |
| neighbours, if not from a legal point of view at least | | | | town setting as it is in a typical rural cottage |
| to be courteous, prior to making changes to | | | | environment. |
| boundaries which might affect them. | | | | Willow hurdles make an attractive screen to help |
| Focus on Fencing | | | | create dedicated zones within your outdoor space |
| The right choice of fencing can provide the ultimate | | | | and also provide ideal protection for a young hedge |
| finishing touch to your outdoor space. No longer | | | | by filtering wind and are available in a variety of |
| simply a functional product to secure a boundary line | | | | widths and heights. |
| and provide privacy, fencing can also be used | | | | Hedge Your Bets |
| creatively, in addition to offering a practical screening | | | | There's a lot to be said for boundaries that consist of |
| device. If you fancy a move away from traditional | | | | plants rather than solid materials. Hedges provide |
| wooden fencing - and a maintenance free fencing | | | | shelter and food for wildlife, as well as adding colour, |
| option is important to you, then it's worth taking a | | | | texture and even fragrance across the seasons. And |
| look at some of the steel alloy rigid fencing solutions | | | | if you're interested in planting a hedge, which can act |
| which have proved such a massive hit in gardens | | | | as a burglar deterrent, planting options for the |
| down under. Colourfence is a post and rail fence | | | | security conscious include barberry, firethorn, rose, |
| system made from tough steel alloy which means it | | | | holly, hawthorn and gorse. |
| can withstand the fiercest of weather conditions. | | | | Hedges are also frequently used to segment spaces |
| Available in varying heights from 4ft to 8ft with a | | | | within the garden, providing an entirely natural line of |
| complete range of accessories such as gates and | | | | division between one area and another. Hedges used |
| trellis, this type of fencing is 100% recyclable and | | | | for this purpose also offer the additional benefit of |
| guaranteed to be warp resistant, fade, rot or suffer | | | | boasting aesthetic appeal and can become a focal |
| damage from wind for a minimum of ten years. | | | | point in their right - mazes and topiary are good |
| Responsible Fencing | | | | examples of this. |
| In a climate where sustainability and environmentally | | | | Hedging plants can be chosen to suit your local area - |
| friendly strategies are becoming part and parcel of | | | | mixed native hedging looks good in a rural setting, |
| everyday life most of us are keen to source a | | | | while mop-head hydrangeas or silver-leaved sea |
| timber product, which uses wood from well-managed | | | | buckthorn work well for coastal gardens. Classic |
| forests. Look out for fencing brands that boast the | | | | hedge plants such as yew, holly and box can be |
| FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and / or the PEFC | | | | easily trimmed to a particular size or shape, making |
| (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest | | | | them look good in a formal setting. |
| Certification) accreditation. | | | | Hedge Healthcare |
| Noisy Neigbours? | | | | The pruning requirements of your hedge will very |
| You may be unfortunate enough to live next door to | | | | much depend on the species. Leylandii hedging has a |
| the neighbours from hell or maybe you just need to | | | | terrible reputation for growing faster than its owners |
| block out the constant drone of passing traffic. | | | | can keep up with, but if you are prepared to put in |
| Whatever type of "noise pollution" you may be | | | | the work of trimming three times a year, it can be |
| experiencing it is now possible to buy attractive | | | | kept to a manageable size. After blooming, flowering |
| timber fencing which boasts highly effective noise | | | | types are often best pruned immediately; evergreens |
| abatement properties to restore the peace of your | | | | do well pruned in midsummer - this way, new growth |
| outdoor room! | | | | has ripened and had a chance to harden off before |
| Wonder Wall | | | | the first frosts of autumn. Box hedging is traditionally |
| Walls provide the ultimate in privacy and shielding and | | | | pruned on Derby Day (the beginning of June). |
| with the right choice of materials, complement | | | | Informal hedges only need tidying up, or occasionally |
| Britain's natural countryside. Authentic stone walling | | | | cutting back hard, but with formal hedges it is often |
| will add rustic charm to your outdoor space and also | | | | recommended that they are pruned into a |
| age beautifully. Traditional brick walls add panache to | | | | flat-topped 'A' shape. This means that both sun and |
| any outside room and provide a lasting boundary | | | | rain can reach all the foliage the entire height of the |
| solution. For a more contemporary walling treatment | | | | plant, and stops the bottom of the hedge from |
| a granite effect finish such as Argent from Marshalls | | | | looking slightly bedraggled. |
| will deliver a stylish sophisticated feel to your garden. | | | | |