How to decorate a fence?

Brenda
by Brenda

I have an 80’ fence and need to plant along the fence. What can I do or place there that wouldn’t cost a lot of money? Thank you for any suggestions.

  8 answers
  • Maura Campbell Maura Campbell on Apr 27, 2019

    To make suggestions, one would have to know where you are located, what growth zone, how much sun the area gets, what time of the day and for how long it gets the sun, what arrangements you have made for watering, what else is growing there that could absorb the water, what else is there in the way of fences and buildings, what kind of soil is available. etc.

    You can always stick plants in the ground, but if you want to protect your investment and have them last, you need to do your homework before just buying plants.

    Check with local gardening clubs, local master gardeners, local green houses and your local ag extension agent (you will have an ag extension agent even if you live in the city!!). Avoid the big box stores. They will not commonly have people working who know anything at all about how plants fare in your area. But they will think they do because they will read the labels on the plants that they sell. Often those plants are diverted from a different growth zone and then perennials you install become annuals!!. You will have to factor in how big the plants get, how fast they grow, whether you want ever greens (slower growing) or seasonal color, etc. You need to understand your goals for this area besides just covering the existing fence.

    Do you your home work!! It will save you a LOT of money and a lot of work and you will be WAY happier with the results!!

    Good luck!

    • See 4 previous
    • Maura Campbell Maura Campbell on May 07, 2019

      And you can go online to search for the master gardening groups in your area!!

  • Shore grandmom Shore grandmom on Apr 27, 2019

    Pick some evergreen and flowering shrubs and plant them spaced out (you can add more next year) to break up the long fence. Put some inexpensive annuals around them this year. Next year, get some more shrubs if you think you need them. The next year, plant perennials so you don't have to plant every year. Everything doesn't have to be done right away take your time and also watch for sales. Talk to your local garden nursery and tell them what you want to do, they'll be able to steer you in the right direction.

    • See 3 previous
    • Brenda Brenda on May 01, 2019

      Thank you so much!

  • Lauren of Mom Home Guide Lauren of Mom Home Guide on Apr 28, 2019

    I think annuals that are good for your area would be a nice choice. Look for flowering annuals that are good for how much sun your fence gets. Or, you can get a perennial like Stella de Ora day lilies. If they work in your area, they spread and bloom all summer.

  • Carolinagirl Carolinagirl on Apr 28, 2019

    Paint flowers on the fence or anything you can think of. There are many examples on the internet.

  • Cindy Patrice Cindy Patrice on Apr 30, 2019

    Hosta. They come in many different varieties and once they grow can very easily be divided to make more.

    • Brenda Brenda on May 01, 2019

      I have hostas on side of house. Never thought about digging some up or buying some. Thanks for the idea!

  • Cindy Patrice Cindy Patrice on May 01, 2019

    They’re very easy to split with a shovel so you could make several for free!

  • Brenda Brenda on May 02, 2019

    I have done that in various areas of my yard and they are so hardy. I think I’ll look for some flowering shrubs and then place some hostas and annuals for this summer.