They are privacy and shelter are two important things in the

garden. The latter is often a problem in gardens which are

exposed to cold prevailing winds. Both these points are

important not only for the gardener himself, but also for the

plants in his garden.

Young growth can be severely damaged by cold winds and frequent

buffeting will cause a great deal of root disturbance. Although

privacy and shelter can be provided by trees and shrubs, fences

also have an important part to play.

The choice of fencing must never be undertaken lightly, for

serious consideration must be given to its appearance and

construction.

Strength is very important. A fence is only as strong as its

supports. Most fences are supplied with strong posts, usually

4-6in (10-15cm) square. Sometimes concrete posts are supplied;

these are extremely strong. Strength of timber also depends on

the prevention of rot, and unless cedar wood is used (except

for posts), all timber should be treated with a suitable

preservative. Creosote can be used, although it should be

allowed to soak into the timber for several weeks before plants

are trained against it. Unless this is done, there is the danger

of stem and leaf scorch and its use is not generally recommended

where plants are to be grown against or near a fence. A safer

treatment consists of the use of copper naphthenate

preservatives such as the green, horticultural grades of

Cuprinol or Solignum.

Types of fencing

The most popular types are purchased as units or panels.

Usually they are from 5-6ft (1.5-1.8m) in length with heights

varying from about 3-6ft ( 90cm-1.8m). A solid or close boarded

fence is, as its name implies, a design which consists of

upright or horizontal strips of wood, some 6in (15cm) wide and

1in (2-2.5cm) thick. The strips are nailed to two or more

supporting rails at the rear of the panel. These provide

complete privacy and wind protection.

Weather board fencing consists of wedge-shaped strips of wood,

(1 in 2cm) in thickness at one edge, tapering to 0.5 in (1cm)

at the other. Each strip overlaps the next by about 1 in(2cm).

The advantage of this design is that it is virtually peep

proof.

Trellis fencing is suited as a support for climbing and

trailing plants. It is not a strong design but can be used to

good effect for covering unsightly walls or as an additional

part of a fence design. It usually consists of laths of wood 1

by 3/4in ( 2.5 by 1.5cm) thick, fastened across each other

vertically and horizontally to form 6-8in (15-20cm) squares.

The laths are attached to a more substantial framing of 1 or

1in (2.5 or 3cm) square timber.

One of the latest advances in fence production is the sale of

kits which are so accurately machined and complete that even an

unskilled person can erect panels without any trouble. With

these kits have come new ideas in design, and many can be made

up into contemporary designs. This is especially useful where

bold effects are required in the construction of patios. Many

ultra-modern properties are being built and this advance in

fence appearance will be welcomed by their owners.

Fencing can also be provided in the form of chain link or mesh

netting. The best quality is heavily galvanized to withstand

the rigors of the weather.

A more recent innovation is the plastic coating of chain link

over the galvanized wire. Standard colors of dark green, black,

white, yellow and light green can be obtained.