| e privacy and shelter are two important things in the | | | | of wood, some 6in (15cm) wide and 1in (2-2.5cm) |
| garden. The latter is often a problem in gardens | | | | thick. The strips are nailed to two or more supporting |
| which are exposed to cold prevailing winds. Both | | | | rails at the rear of the panel. These provide complete |
| these points are important not only for the gardener | | | | privacy and wind protection. |
| himself, but also for the plants in his garden. | | | | Weather board fencing consists of wedge-shaped |
| Young growth can be severely damaged by cold | | | | strips of wood, (1 in 2cm) in thickness at one edge, |
| winds and frequent buffeting will cause a great deal | | | | tapering to 0.5 in (1cm) at the other. Each strip |
| of root disturbance. Although privacy and shelter can | | | | overlaps the next by about 1 in(2cm). The advantage |
| be provided by trees and shrubs, fences also have | | | | of this design is that it is virtually peep proof. |
| an important part to play. | | | | Trellis fencing is suited as a support for climbing and |
| The choice of fencing must never be undertaken | | | | trailing plants. It is not a strong design but can be |
| lightly, for serious consideration must be given to its | | | | used to good effect for covering unsightly walls or |
| appearance and construction. | | | | as an additional part of a fence design. It usually |
| Strength is very important. A fence is only as strong | | | | consists of laths of wood 1 by 3/4in ( 2.5 by 1.5cm) |
| as its supports. Most fences are supplied with strong | | | | thick, fastened across each other vertically and |
| posts, usually 4-6in (10-15cm) square. Sometimes | | | | horizontally to form 6-8in (15-20cm) squares. The |
| concrete posts are supplied; these are extremely | | | | laths are attached to a more substantial framing of 1 |
| strong. Strength of timber also depends on the | | | | or 1in (2.5 or 3cm) square timber. |
| prevention of rot, and unless cedar wood is used | | | | One of the latest advances in fence production is the |
| (except for posts), all timber should be treated with | | | | sale of kits which are so accurately machined and |
| a suitable preservative. Creosote can be used, | | | | complete that even an unskilled person can erect |
| although it should be allowed to soak into the timber | | | | panels without any trouble. With these kits have |
| for several weeks before plants are trained against it. | | | | come new ideas in design, and many can be made up |
| Unless this is done, there is the danger of stem and | | | | into contemporary designs. This is especially useful |
| leaf scorch and its use is not generally recommended | | | | where bold effects are required in the construction |
| where plants are to be grown against or near a | | | | of patios. Many ultra-modern properties are being built |
| fence. A safer treatment consists of the use of | | | | and this advance in fence appearance will be |
| copper naphthenate preservatives such as the green, | | | | welcomed by their owners. |
| horticultural grades of Cuprinol or Solignum. | | | | Fencing can also be provided in the form of chain link |
| Types of fencing | | | | or mesh netting. The best quality is heavily galvanized |
| The most popular types are purchased as units or | | | | to withstand the rigors of the weather. |
| panels. Usually they are from 5-6ft (1.5-1.8m) in length | | | | A more recent innovation is the plastic coating of |
| with heights varying from about 3-6ft ( 90cm-1.8m). | | | | chain link over the galvanized wire. Standard colors of |
| A solid or close boarded fence is, as its name implies, | | | | dark green, black, white, yellow and light green can |
| a design which consists of upright or horizontal strips | | | | be obtained. |