Garden Walls

You might need to address your garden walls. Whether it’s a hedge of lilacs or a stockade fence, your outdoor rooms need walls. Some say “fences make good neighbors.“ I agree with that and so does my garden. Your home should be your castle, walls and all.
Most of us live with neighbors. They have their own unique habits, tastes and gardening styles. A fence is a must for me. My plants are safe from soccer balls and roaming pets. I can take a nap in my lounge chair or enjoy my coffee with the sound of birds and falling water. I love my yard. It is a beautiful and safe haven. It’s my favorite place to be. Before considering all of the common man-made choices available, I’d like to talk about natural garden walls first. Keep in mind, I live in zone 6 and the examples I use are hardy in my location. I’ve limited the content to species and examples that I have had personal experience with. Most come out of my own garden. As I’ve said before, I prefer performers to the more delicate, high maintenance species.

They provide us with safety, comfort and privacy. Our outdoor spaces are no different. If you’re not spending a lot of time outdoors, ask yourself a few questions. Do you really have enough privacy from the neighbors? Are the views pleasing? Why aren’t you enjoying your yard on a beautiful day?

Forsythia

Forsythia is an excellent choice. It’s a fast growing privacy hedge, a sanctuary for birds and a spectacular spring bloomer. It can be shaped into a mound or left to grow wild. It is truly beautiful planted in large numbers along a property line or when used to separate areas of a garden. Make sure you have ample room as it loves spread. It can reach 8 to 10 feet tall and 10 to 12 feet wide. If you’re going to prune forsythia, make sure it’s right after it blooms in the spring. This will allow new buds for next year to develop in the fall.

Heavenly Bamboo
Nandina or Heavenly Bamboo is one of my favorites. The foliage is brilliant. Rich greens to reddish hues in the fall. It produces beautiful red berries and flowers in the summer. It provides constant variety and interest as well as privacy. It grows quickly and responds well to shaping and pruning. Unlike the deciduous forsythia, Nandina will hold it’s leaves until the temperature drops below 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, don’t be put off by the name. It isn’t actually a member of the bamboo family. It doesn’t have any of the invasive spreading habits of true bamboo. The name refers to the appearance of the leaves. It can grow to 8 feet high by 8 feet wide.