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Fence Garden Border Made Easy

There are many great reasons for adding a fence garden border and several affordable and attractive options.

Keeping rabbits and deer at bay is one good reason to have a garden fence.

But even when you don't have to worry about animals, fences can provide a lovely border.

They also provide protection against wind.

Many people will hold off putting one up, though, because the task seems overwhelming. But, it doesn't have to be...

Types of Garden Fences

Garden fence kits are one way to go. These are complete assemblies that include everything you need to put up an attractive and sturdy fence. Some are so cleverly designed all you need to do is snap together the pieces and you're done. They come in sections to make a square or rectangle. Some have modified braces that allow you to make an octagon or semi-circle.

Most are a little less simple, but still require only minimal work. The slats are pre-attached to horizontal supports called cross-members or rails. A few minutes is all that's required to attach them to corner posts. A few screws inserted with a power screwdriver/drill and you're in business.

Installing fence posts doesn't have to be a major chore, either. For some small garden fences it isn't necessary at all. The posts will provide corner support for the slat sections, but the whole thing can simply sit on the ground without digging any post holes.

For additional support it's possible to get metal post support stakes that take a lot of the effort out of the process. These are square metal 'cups' that have a 12-18 inch spike welded onto the bottom. The stake is pounded into the ground.

The metal cup can sit into a small square hole or above the surface. They're usually painted in attractive colors or you can finish them to match your garden design. Then you just slide the post into the cup and secure it by tightening the cup using the integrated nut and bolt.

They can support considerable weight. One fence built this way withstood jumping on the fence and walking down the horizontal supports for the slats without tipping. After several snow-filled winters and springs of high wind and rain it's still in place.

Lattice work is always a popular type of fence garden border and it too is available in pre-made sections that are easy to install. They're the perfect option for climbing plants, ivy and others that will wind their way in and around the lattice. They also provide an easy way to support tall plants near the edge. Just use a bit of tie-wrap and tall tulips will stand up well to wind.

To protect against invasion by gophers and other ground dwellers, just extend the fencing below the ground about a foot. That can be as simple as just digging a trench and planning to have your slats a little taller than you originally envisioned. Chicken wire at the base and under the surface is another easy way to achieve the same result.

Fence your garden and have a finished look that protects your plants. It's easy!

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