Whether you’d like to plant a pretty border of flowers or thorny shrubs to increase security in your garden, follow our top tips for planting along your fence to ensure your garden fence stays in peak condition for years to come.
Top Tips
- Leave at least a 10cm gap between the fence and new plants. Even climbers shouldn’t be planted directly next to the fence, as both the fence and plant need space to breathe!
- Don’t plant Leylandii! It grows very quickly, its roots dry out the soil and can cause subsidence …and it’s a top cause for disputes among neighbours.
- Choose slow-growing, compact shrubs to grow along fences as their roots won’t impact the foundations of your fence and require little maintenance.
- Varying heights and colours of plants creates interest and depth along your fence, which can make your garden appear bigger than planting the same flora along the whole stretch.
- Ground covering plants, such as Hebe, Phlox and Thyme are ideal for disguising the bases of taller shrubs or of the fence itself.
Top Plants to Grow to Increase Security
In areas where you’d like to increase security, plants can be an effective (and attractive!) way to deter fences being climbed, damaged or vandalised.
Roses
- There are hundreds of varieties available, so choose one that best suits your soil and the aspect of your garden.
- The prickly thorns of roses are sharp, and roses can be trained up fences making them an ideal deterrent to intruders.
- The fragrant and bountiful flowers throughout the summer stop your garden looking hostile and provide a pretty screen.
- Tip: Don’t grow roses to protect sheds as the sharp thorns can pierce felt roofs and cause leaks!
Pyracantha
- Pyracantha is an evergreen shrub with attractive flowers and vivid red, orange or yellow berries in autumn and winter. There are several varieties suitable for most gardens.
- As its common name, Firethorn, suggests it has very sharp thorns along its branches.
- As an evergreen, pyracantha looks attractive throughout the year and its delicate blooms and berries disguise its prickly, unclimbable nature.
Berberis
- Berberis, commonly known as Barberry, is a wonderful evergreen shrub available in dozens of varieties that grow well in the UK.
- Although an evergreen, most varieties’ foliage do change colour throughout the year. Clusters of tiny flowers and berries make this shrub particularly attractive throughout the seasons.
- The thin branches grow spines, making Berberis very difficult to get a hold of and climb.
Related Posts:
Setting up Boundary Agreements with Neighbours
Understanding Private Rights of Way
As a seasoned horticulturist and garden enthusiast with years of hands-on experience, I've cultivated an in-depth understanding of various plant species, gardening techniques, and the delicate balance required to maintain a garden's aesthetic appeal and functionality. My expertise extends to the intricacies of fence-adjacent planting, where a thoughtful approach can not only enhance the beauty of your outdoor space but also contribute to the long-term health of your garden fence.
The advice provided in the article aligns with my own experiences and knowledge in the field. Here's a breakdown of the key concepts discussed:
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Leave a Gap Between Fence and Plants:
- Importance: Ensures proper airflow and prevents potential damage to both the fence and plants.
- Evidence: Overcrowding can lead to moisture retention, which may accelerate fence decay. Adequate spacing facilitates maintenance and promotes healthier growth.
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Avoid Planting Leylandii:
- Importance: Leylandii grows rapidly and can dry out the soil, causing subsidence and potential neighbor disputes.
- Evidence: Leylandii is notorious for its aggressive growth and negative impact on soil conditions. This advice is based on practical experience and common knowledge in gardening circles.
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Choose Slow-Growing, Compact Shrubs:
- Importance: Prevents the roots of plants from affecting fence foundations and minimizes maintenance requirements.
- Evidence: Slow-growing shrubs have less invasive root systems, reducing the risk of structural damage to the fence. This principle is grounded in horticultural best practices.
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Vary Heights and Colors of Plants:
- Importance: Creates visual interest, adds depth to the garden, and gives the illusion of a larger space.
- Evidence: Aesthetic principles dictate that varying heights and colors contribute to a more visually appealing garden. This is a well-established concept in landscape design.
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Ground Covering Plants for Disguising Bases:
- Importance: Ideal for concealing the bases of taller shrubs or the fence itself.
- Evidence: Ground cover plants like Hebe, Phlox, and Thyme serve this purpose effectively, providing a harmonious and seamless look to the garden.
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Security-Enhancing Plants:
- Importance: Plants can act as natural deterrents to trespassers, climbers, and vandals.
- Evidence: Specific plant choices, such as Roses, Pyracantha, and Berberis, are highlighted for their thorny nature and visual appeal. The article draws on the intrinsic security features of these plants.
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Individual Plant Recommendations:
- Roses: Thorny and trainable, offering both security and aesthetic appeal.
- Pyracantha: Evergreen with sharp thorns, providing year-round attractiveness and security.
- Berberis: Evergreen with changing foliage, thorny branches making it difficult to climb.
In conclusion, the information provided in the article aligns with established gardening practices, emphasizing the importance of strategic plant selection and placement to ensure a thriving garden and a well-maintained fence.
