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Garden Gate:  Large Fenced in Garden  |
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HorseLady
True Blue Farmgirl
87 Posts
Rose
Irwin
PA
USA
87 Posts |
 Posted - Sep 05 2010 : 04:49:55 AM
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I am going for my dream next year of doing a large, fenced in garden with a gate and pathways, with raised beds. I will have to hire someone to do the work. I'm looking for some kind of privacy in the fencing but think solid wood would be too expensive and I don't think the neighbors would appreciate that anyway. Any ideas? I plan to grow some vegetables, but mostly it will be flowers. It will be my sanctuary away from the hectic world. Anyone else ever done this? I will be planning this over the winter. I'm also a little concerned about how to find a reliable landscaper since I've never done this before.
Hug a horse or a dog today! |
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Ingrid
True Blue Farmgirl
432 Posts
Ingrid
BC
Canada
432 Posts |
Posted - Sep 05 2010 : 07:40:45 AM
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Word of mouth will find you a reliable landscaper and check references. If they can't give you a reference don't hire them. Try to draw out what you would like on graph paper, even a rough sketch, so you have a guideline they can follow. Have never used a landscaper so maybe someone else will be able to give you more information. Have fun.
Give thanks to yourself everyday for all the wonderful things you do! |
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natesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1735 Posts
angela
martinsville
indiana
USA
1735 Posts |
Posted - Sep 05 2010 : 10:40:19 AM
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Check with the BBB for reliable people or get a copy of Angie's List for your area. I have hired people to work for me before and been took advantage of big time.
I was thinkin of your wanting a privacy type fence. Go with a tall open slatted fence and grow beans and flowers up them. You can also trellis cucumbers, small baking pumpkins, cantaloupe, and most squashes. Make your own privacy fence! :)
Farmgirl Sister #1438
God - Gardening - Family - Is anything else important? |
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edlund33
True Blue Farmgirl
1515 Posts
Marilyn
Renton
WA
USA
1515 Posts |
Posted - Sep 07 2010 : 10:37:19 PM
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Rose:
How about an open wood frame fence (posts, top and bottom stringers, cap and trim boards) with sheep-wire fence fabric instead of wood pickets? If you use heavy enough wire you can train vines or climbing groundcovers to grow on the fence to provide screening. It looks really cool when the plants get filled in and fits in equally well with country or urban surroundings. Depending on how much material you are talking about you might be able to used recycled barn boards and old fence fabric if you can find it.
As for finding a reliable landscaper - check with your local chapter of the American landscape contractor's association, lumber yard, nursery center or real estate agent for recommendations. You can also ask friends, neighbors , HOA's or local businesses to see if they know of a dependable contractor. Always ask for and check multiple references, and view examples of the contractor's work in person. Make sure they are registered with state and local goverment with appropriate business licenses, bonding and insurance coverage. It's also a good idea to ask what kind of guarantee they offer on materials and craftsmanship. Hope this helps!
Cheers! ~ Marilyn
Farm Girl No. 1100
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. - Ralph Waldo Emerson |
Edited by - edlund33 on Sep 07 2010 10:54:32 PM |
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TJinMT
True Blue Farmgirl
211 Posts
TJ
Billings
MT
USA
211 Posts |
Posted - Sep 09 2010 : 08:06:52 AM
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Hi there - there are some neat fencing alternaties out there - "green" too! For example, split-bamboo fencing, woven reed, or willow. I saw them in my gardeners.com catalog last night - the reed gets up to 78" high! They're pretty neat looking I think, and look somewhat cheaper than solid wood fencing (although not by much).
Your garden dream sounds wonderful!! Do something fun with the gate, that makes such an impact when you first walk in - that's where I'd splurge! Like an archway, or carved posts, or one of those archways with the seats built into the bottom (I'm blanking on what they're called? I need more tea) for a place to sit stuff - or yourself!! Of course you can splurge with creativity without splurging on money if you look around alot - maybe antique shops or junk piles?? Or pick up some carving tools this winter and start playing with posts - you could find out you have a hidden talent!!
You could ask at your favorite nursery about landscapers! Or contact your County Extension office re: master gardeners who may do garden plans/landscaping. When you are considering someone, ask to see some of the other places they have done, either in person or at least photos.
When you're thinking sanctuary, think water! There are several solar fountains available, or even an electric version - waterfalls and things - the sound of water can help mask the outside world and it's just so relaxing, it makes me melt! How about part of your walkway being scented, thymes or things around paving stones that can withstand a little bit of foot traffic and release incredible scents when they are trod upon!
Scented geraniums are nice! And herbs! Especially near the pathway - I'd keep roses a bit back, so you aren't risking thorn pokes everytime you walk past (psychological comfort - grin). And all the lovely vining things like scarlet or emperor runner beans, that make lovely bee-happy flowers and then turn into yummy snacks as you walk by!
I'm excited for you!!!
~TJ of Green Willow Place
"You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me." -CS Lewis |
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Garden Gate: Large Fenced in Garden |
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Large Fenced in Garden
