Issue 812

Growing Gardens

with Julia Hancock

Fancy Fences

Why do we need fences around our properties? They mark our territory, they keep people and animals in or out, they offer privacy, they cut down on noise and dust, and they act as a windbreak. Fences are usually of wood, brick or wire construction and if they are disguised and enhanced with plants they can become a real feature of the garden.

The types of plants you use depend on the style of fence you are after. They can be formal or informal, incorporate a variety of plants, or just one type. Formal hedges tend to be composed of just one species, whereas informal hedges can be a combination of a variety of plants. It's important to bear in mind that plants selected for a mixed or 'tapestry' hedge should all have similar growth patterns and cultural requirements. It is best to grow evergreen plants, to avoid seasonal gaps.

The most popular shrub for formal hedges is Buxus spp., and box hedges grace the grandest gardens the world over. They are relatively high maintenance, as they have to be kept expertly trimmed to look any good. Lillypillies and photinia should also be clipped regularly, and in doing so their lovely bronze new growth is encouraged. Camellia sasanqua and Murraya paniculata (orange jessamine) are good flowering choices and these can either be kept clipped or allowed to expand, as required.

Good plants for informal hedges include brunsfelsia, buddleia, oleander - either dwarf or full size (excellent in windy, coastal sites); acalypha, allamanda and hibiscus if you've got a tropical or subtropical theme in your garden; Graptophyllum spp., Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon' and Banksia 'Giant Candles' for native gardens; and lavender, coastal rosemary and roses for cottage gardens.

Very fancy fences can be created from tall flowering annuals such as cleome, cosmos, dahlias, sweet peas and sunflowers for a display of spring, summer and autumn colour.