Lockdown Mag Jul 20

Lockdown
project
easy ideas
Treat your fence to a
makeover
Transform boring boundaries with
stylish tones and trellis toppers
feature: jennifer morgan. photos: clive nichols, gap photos/
Friedrich Strauss/J S Sira - Jamie Dunstan (Gardeners’ Boutique)
Something as simple as painting your fence
with colour can transform your garden
in just one afternoon. It will make your
existing plants take on a new look, too.
Green foliage will appear much more vivid and,
depending on the colour you choose, you can turn
your favourite blooms into a real feature.
As a guide, choose a contrasting colour for
a bold look, such as black fencing with green
climbing plants. If you'd prefer a more subtle
look, go for gentle tones such as soft green or
grey. There is an abundance of heritage shades
to choose from for external woodwork, all of
which are ideal for creating a modern vintage feel,
especially if you are painting a slightly weathered
fence. These shades will also give a contemporary
look if you are adding colour to new fencing with
smart clean lines. Try classic cream, pale dove grey,
soft sage or duck-egg blue.
Adding trellis to the top or side of a fence is a
great way to add depth and interest, too, especially
if you paint it too. As well as being practical for
plants to scramble over, you can use it to define
areas and add height or shape to your garden.
It will also increase privacy from neighbours.
get started
Summer is the perfect time to get painting,
but check the weather forecast for at least 24
hours before you start. You should only paint
in conditions above 5ºC, and you should avoid
strong sunshine as the paint or stain can dry out
too quickly giving an uneven chalky finish. Paint
the sections of fence in the shade first and work
your way round as the sun moves.
You’ll need a 10cm (4in) fence paintbrush, plus
a smaller 2.5-5cm (1-2in) brush for those awkward
gaps. Alternatively, you can use a paint sprayer, just
check that your chosen paint or stain is suitable to
be used with one and prepare a larger area than if
you were painting by hand. ➣
That's
clever!
Fix an old mirror
to your fence to
double the effect of
favourite plants
instant update
Soft greys instantly
bring a contemporary
feel to your garden.
lockdown living MODERN GARDENS 7