What can I do about this chicken wire fence?

Question

I've got this horrible chicken wire fence in my backyard that separates the garden from the yard. Any ideas on how to minimize the visual of this? I live in a rental so removing it isn't an option

Diane Mitchell-Hull · Answer

PLANT A CLIMBING VINE!

Janie · Answer

I had a chain link fence that I hated , and I hid it by planting ivy below and letting it cover the fence completely. It takes a few years, but well worth it! Get a fast growing variety of ivy. There are other vines, some that are quicker growing, but be sure that you get one that doesn't lose its leaves in the winter. A bit more expensive fix is to hide it with bamboo fencing that's already wired together, and securing it to the chicken wire. I prefer the vine covering. It just takes longer.

Janet Pizaro · Answer

I was also going to suggest the rolls of bamboo fencing as should you move you will be able to take it with you.

Maripat Sparks · Answer

I think I'll go with the vine. The bamboo fencing sounds a little pricey. Thanks!

Johnchip · Answer

Morning glories you can do by seed and are fast growers. Just seed start well and water enough.

Maripat Sparks · Answer

Yes, we are allowed to plant. You're right, that would take a lot of vines.

MN Mom · Answer

You don't say what area you're living in but most climates will allow for vining plants to grow when the weather permits. A couple packages of seeds for morning glories and sweet peas would be very cost effective. Container gardening would be ok if you have the funds to buy the containers, soil, plants etc but I don't think they'd give you the same overall coverage that vines would.

Maripat Sparks · Answer

I appreciate your comments Janet. I don't think you're trying to be 'right'! I actually love the idea of perennial grasses - they are so pretty and they grow really well in Southern Colorado. I've never tried to grow them before and I don't have much of a green thumb. My guess though is they're pretty hardy and foolproof!

Hillela G. · Answer

How about covering it in pretty dropcloths? Thats removable but instant upgrade! Also, you can add flowers like this Hometalker: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/styling-a-garden-fence-makeover-2911138?expand_all_questions=1

have fun with it

Diane Mitchell-Hull · Answer

Yes, I wholeheartedly agree, Morning Glories can be a pain if not in the right location but there are annual varieties. There are many other vines that are not invasive also...check with your local nursery for advice. How about a row of happy sunflowers? Colorful and good to eat! Pole beans are another option. Many plants can be trained to grow verticallyif you weave them through the fence as they grow. Cucumbers, zucchini, etc. are good options. Cherry tomatoes also do well. How about hanging some flower pots filled with herbs or or a colorful cascading floral? Make a statement and display some fun removable yard art . Use your imagination and get creative!

Katy · Answer

Another creative idea is plastic ribbon tape,you can get it at most big box hardware stores Home Depot,Lowe's etc. You could then weave the tape in and out of the fencing. If you plot it out on graph paper you might even be able to do a design of some sort. The tape I've seen comes in colors such as orange,bright pink,yellow,blue. Contractors use it to mark trees and such,but many crafters use it too and it's cheaper at the big box hardware stores than say at a craft store. If you are a knitter or a crocheter you could also yarn bomb it.

Maripat Sparks · Answer

Oh that's a great idea! It sounds like the most cost effective idea yet.

Barbara · Answer

I think that the fence is vintage and cute. Clean out the grass and weeds so that you can create a flower bed using annuals since you ate renting. Perennial daisies would be darling as well. Just my thoughts.

Maripat Sparks · Answer

Really?! Okay, maybe I just need to embrace it and not hide it!

Grace Gleason · Answer

Chicken wire? That's expensive, vintage Double Loop Fence you have there, with a nasty chain link fence in the background. I'd KILL for a Double Loop Fence! It has crappy fence poles holding it up instead of wood posts like it should have. And it should have roses growing on it. Good grief! See if you can replace the metal posts with wood, and plant something pretty. Barbara has the right idea.

Grace Gleason · Answer

Here's a nice example.

Maripat Sparks · Answer

<div>Pretty!  </div>

Sue Kiene · Answer

Definitely not chicken wire. I think instead of replacing the metal poles, I would get some narrow wood lathe and cover them (these are pretty inexpensive). I would make a top for the metal poles and put either a hanger out from it and put hanging plants on them or like a late on the top that could hold a pot. Maybe have some kind of viney plant in them hanging down. Then down along the bottom I would put like clumps of daisies intermixed with maybe mums so that you will have both summer and fall flowers for you to enjoy. Once those are done for the season you could put some fake evergreen or something of that sort in the pots to get you thru the winter.

Inetia · Answer

You can get bamboo fencing at home depot for a decent price. It comes in different size reeds in different heights and can be wired to the existing fence.

Joanie · Answer

My thoughts are Honey suckle vine.........it has a SCENT that you would love. It grows fast and needs a fence to hang on to, it flourishes well.......it is really pretty and your problem would be solved.......it smells like, magnolia flowers, lagustrum and lilac. What a beautiful smell!! PLUS, it is also a wild flower, yellow and white.

Joanie · Answer

You may be thinking of Wisteria? Honeysuckle is a slender, tight winding green vine,..... unless you are from another part of the country????????? A Wisteria has a wooden vine and you almost need a fence post to hold its weight. I think you may be a little confused on the plants??????.

861650 · Answer

There are so many great ideas on this page! I did see one on the internet and it was painted white. Maybe you could do that and/or another color along with some of the above ideas.

Charro · Answer

I'd plant some heirloom running roses on the fence. You could also underplant clematis vines. It would look beautiful.

Dana McFaull · Answer

Plant sweet peas or clematis on it and let it grow

Joanie · Answer

Everyone has their own opinions.....I DO like to know what I'm talkin' about when I have something to say. I KNOW because I have Honeysuckle. I'll give ya this much Susie Q, maybe you live in a region where it is HEAVY.

Sophia,M.,McConnery · Answer

That totally depends on what you want!

Joanie · Answer

How about this? Put that chicken wire in an area. Buy yourself some chickens and get yourself a Rooster and get your eggs daily.

Sue Kiene · Answer

It is a rental property so she does not have the choice of moving it without the landlords permission. Additionally she may not be in a location where she would be allowed to have the chickens. Doing as you suggested also does not change the look which is what she is wanting to do.

Joanie · Answer

Jody: I got your point!!.........you have your opinions on plants, as I do.......Soooooooooo, we don't agree.....so be it! Good Luck!

Happy Valentines Day! ;)))

Lindcurt · Answer

Oh how I would love to have more of your 'chicken wire' fence. I buy it when ever I can find it. It is lovely in a perennial border. You might be able to sandwich those metal posts between two 1x2 pieces of wood to disguise it. Tie them with wire in inconspicuous places to hold in place. My Great Aunts garden was fully surrounded with this fence material and the garden had an abundance of sweet pea vines and bachelor buttons. Another tall flowering plant that can be is Cleome. These plants can get invasive but are just so beautiful in borders.

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