A Fence with a Natural Look
Sometimes it seems as if these days, people are choosing nothing but the popular wood-concrete fence. Although it can be quite attractive, it’s still a bit boring and predictable…
How about a fence with a natural look?
As far as we're concerned, you don't see these nearly often enough in our gardens! It's high time to plant more natural fences and to put garden fences in the spotlight for a change…
A hedge as a natural barrier
The most beautiful natural boundary is a wider hedge. But in a small garden, there’s often not enough room for a (wide) hedge on both sides. You could consider a narrow hedge made of climbing plants. It does require a bit more maintenance to keep your hedge narrow and to ensure it’s dense at the bottom. It can also take quite a long time for a hedge to reach the desired height, or it can quickly become very expensive.
Willow-woven fence
A really beautiful fence with a natural look is a willow fence. A willow fence is usually hand-woven on site and instantly gives the garden a unique and natural feel. A willow fence provides immediate privacy while still allowing some light to pass through. It breaks the wind, providing good shelter for plants behind the fence. It also serves as a beautiful backdrop for a lovely plant border.
If left untreated, a willow wicker fence will last about 8–10 years. If desired, linseed oil can be used to extend its lifespan. You can weave a willow fence yourself by placing posts every 50–70 cm and weaving flexible willow branches through them. Although it’s a very enjoyable project, it can still be quite a lot of work if you want to build an entire fence out of willow twigs. Of course, you can also have it installed by a professional contractor who specializes in willow products.
Bamboo Screens
A bamboo fence or bamboo screens can also give your garden a natural, rugged, or robust look. The larger the bamboo stalks, the more robust the look. There are both the well-known light or yellow bamboo fences and fences made of dark or black bamboo. Be sure to choose treated bamboo, otherwise its lifespan will be very limited. Weathered bamboo that hasn’t been treated is also an option. A bamboo fence fits perfectly in an exotic or tropical garden.
Reed Mats and Heather Mats
Reed mats and heather mats are also great for use as fences with a natural look. They immediately provide privacy and are ideal for letting climbing plants grow through and up them. Heather mats are often a bit darker in color. You also often see heather and reed mats on balconies to block the view. Reed mats also look beautiful as an attractive roof covering for a pergola or canopy. Mats made of bamboo and willow twigs are also available. Reed mats and heather mats last about 5–7 years and are often very affordable.
Gabions
A gabion (also known as a stone cage) is a structure made of interconnected wire mesh panels that together form a cage. A gabion is then filled (on site) with crushed stone. Whether you use a gabion as a garden fence, patio divider, retaining wall, or bench, it instantly gives your garden a unique, charming, and natural look.
You determine the final look with your choice of rubble fill. It often looks best to match the stone selection to the materials used elsewhere in the garden. If you’d like, you can also plant rock-loving plants (with a little bit of soil) in the gabion. This will make your new gabion look as though it’s been there for years.
