Comments on: Fancying up a plain garden fence

By: Diana Kohlrt

Diana Kohlrt — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 16:20:24 +0000

Paint it in greens, darker first with leaf shapes in lighter greens, then prop a lattice against it. I get compliments on mine. I have metal posts. In one section they are painted tan with darker brown which I dipped in with a metal scrubber and streaked on. If she is a good painter she could even paint a scene.

By: Sue Langley

Sue Langley — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 18:17:39 +0000

In reply to Josephine.

Great idea, Josephine… Edibles are beautiful and so worth growing! I also like your idea of a cutting garden,…Mandy surely has enough room for one!

By: Sue Langley

Sue Langley — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 18:16:13 +0000

In reply to Marlene Stephenson. I agree, Marlene. Native plants feel most 'at home' and ar so much more easy care.

By: Sue Langley

Sue Langley — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 18:13:52 +0000

In reply to Donna. Thanks so much for your very complete description of what you advise, Donna.... There's nothing like experience from an avid gardener!

By: Sue Langley

Sue Langley — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 18:12:20 +0000

In reply to CDLB. Thank you for your very valuable advice and description. I'm sure it'll be inspiring to many!

By: CDLB

CDLB — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 17:38:12 +0000

All that space can be intimidating. My advice is to start in a corner. Make a nice arrangement of plants and such decorative objects as please your eye. Once you have made a start there it will be easier to work your way out along the fence. In fact, it might actually be hard to stop yourself! . . .because what you have already created will tell you what to do next. Also – dont think small. Make generously sized beds, because as you go on they will seem to shrink! Also – think of starting in two corners and working your way out to the middle. . .

By: Donna

Donna — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 10:29:11 +0000

I would also suggest a bird feeding area, maybe a corner. In my bird feeding bed I planted several shrubs for berries and for places for the birds to land and feel safe. A birdbath or two an lots of squirrel proof feeders on metal posts and a couple of shepard’s crooks used as suet feeders to call in the birds. Add a couple of native hydrangeas (leave them plenty of space to grow up and out), butterfly shrubs, ornamental grasses punctuated with flowering perennials like day lilies, catmint, lavender and others you like that do well in your zone. (I’m in SW Michigan and Zone 5 too and these are what do well in my soil.) Decided if you want spreaders or non-spreaders that stay in a clump and pick your edging as well. I like curved bed edges and field stones but that is just me. I have a lot of deer here as well so I search out plants deer do not like such as catmint, and ornamental grass. I also like autumn clematis for growing up a trellis against the fence too. I like a full, bloosy county garden look with repeating plants, color and form so I almost always buy a plant I like in multiples. We use netting around our hydrangeas in the winter months to protect the buds from the deer.. Oh and since you have lots of space don’t forget a couple of drarf fruit trees for pears, peaches and apples!!

By: Marlene Stephenson

Marlene Stephenson — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 20:41:05 +0000

I agree with others plant what grows good in your zone. Different colors and a good ground cover, and then see how they react, i have had to move some of mine cause they didn’t do good in some places and others they just took off. You will learn just have fun, and enjoy.

By: Josephine

Josephine — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 16:28:22 +0000

All lovely gardens! May I suggest that you also plant some edible plants as well. You can plant a raspberry, blackberry, or blueberry shrub just as easily as any other shrub. Also try to incorporate some bee & bird attracting pants. A Rhododendron will attract not just bee, but also hummingbirds! we have two planted near our front door, and we leave the door open in the Summer, the hummers will fly right into our living room. If you live in zone 5 (as I do as well) you can plant lilacs as well. Grow flowers for beauty. cutting and joy, grow fruit and berries for you and the wildlife. Remember the Permaculture ethics; Care for the earth, Care for people, and Care for Community. I’m sure what ever you grow will be lovely.