In recent years, the country has been gripped by a real epidemic. Around the suburban real estate there are high iron fences made of profiled sheet, which displace the usual picket fence and netting. These misanthropic structures have many disadvantages. In a small area with such a monumental fence changing microclimate, violated the natural ventilation system, hence the summer there a few degrees hotter and winter, respectively, colder.
But in addition, in themselves such fences are quite unsightly, and our suburban villages are becoming more like an industrial zone. Sooner or later the question arises, how to hide ugly fences, disfiguring the landscape. Such fences are ugly inside out should duplicate hedges. The mass of options to suit different tastes and budgets.
Physocarpus opulifolia
The most economical – fence of Physocarpus opulifolia. This unpretentious shrub grows quickly, for 3 years, it grows to a three-meter height, is cut, drought-resistant, does not get sick. There are several varieties with leaves of different colors. For example, ‘Diabolo’ – a very spectacular variety with dark purple leaves. Blooms pinkish inflorescences, which then turn into bright red fruit brushes, resembling small tulips.
Since dark bushes in large numbers look gloomy, it is good to “dilute” them with other varieties, for example, yellow-leaved ‘Aureus’ (‘Luteus’).
But remember that the purple and yellow leaves, even with a slight shading change color to normal, green. They need the open sun. Therefore, if you wish to cover the ugly “inside” of the metal fence, try to plant bladders on the South side. The distance between the bushes should not be less than 2 m, so that adult plants do not crowd and do not oppress each other.
Cornus alba
Spectacular fences are obtained from Cornus alba, varieties of which are also many. For example, ‘Elegantissima’ c white-green leaves forms a very elegant fence.
Also very decorative cultivar ‘Spaethii’ — edging on the leaves he’s not white, and very elegant, Golden-yellow.
Such a hedge needs regular pruning and is quite strong, which give it a neat appearance – all Cornus haphazardly spreading its branches in different directions. But the haircut is definitely to their face – the fence is getting thicker every time. In addition, pruning stimulates the regrowth of bright young shoots that adorn the garden in winter.
Berberis
If you are concerned about the safety of the site, plant thorny bushes on its borders, for example, Berberis. There are a great many varieties, it is only necessary to cope with the purchase of the height of the Bush in adulthood. Good for this purpose Berberis x ottawensis ‘Superba’, which grows up to 3.5 m tall. The foliage is purple-violet, in the autumn it is painted in crimson tones. Blooms yellow earrings with a rather sharp odor, attracting insects.
Hawthorn
Traditionally, hawthorn is used for hedges. All its types are quite unpretentious, resistant to freezing, durable. Edible fruits are useful in cardiovascular diseases, of which you can make a valuable tincture. In the spring the fence is like in lace pins – so blooms profusely. It is no less decorative in autumn, all covered with scarlet berries of delicious fruits.
It is also regularly formed, and when bare “legs”, the bushes are cut on a stump, from this procedure hawthorn rejuvenates for another 10 years forward. The only drawback – for the formation of a full fence will take at least 10 years.
Park roses
An option that does not require large labor costs for care – a fence of Park roses. The only condition: these roses should be own-rooted, capable to provide growth, replacement of old shoots. From time to time you need to remove the dried branches, but every few years in the spring to pour compost or manure.
An important point: this fence in any case can not be cut and trimmed, otherwise it will not bloom. And roses eventually form a wide spreading shaft of fragrant bushes up to 2 m high, which bloom from June to the frost.
Good for hedges Rosa spinosissima, R. pimpinellifolia, modern hybrids R. rugosa. This is quite winter-hardy varieties that do not need shelter.
To create a living fence can be used and old proven varieties of Park roses – ‘maiden’s Blush’, ‘Konigin von Danemark’, ‘Rose de Rescht’. You can also choose Park winter-hardy species of canadian selection. And so as soon as you decided to plant a border of roses, don’t skimp: for every linear metre should be planted in 1 row of 1 Bush of the same variety.
Thuja
But the most presentable option, perhaps, will be a fence of arborvitae. For these purposes, usually choose columnar varieties: ‘Smaragd’ with bright green needles, ‘Columna’ dark green or Western ‘Brabant’ with Golden tips of branches.
All of them grow up to 5-7 m tall, unpretentious and hardy. Put them pretty close to each other. To form a fence, starting from the 3rd year after planting, arborvitae are cut, giving them the desired shape.
It is necessary to understand that such a fence is very binding. It does not fit with a typical wooden house on 6 acres with a greenhouse and a garden. It is more consistent with the estate with a perfect lawn, mixborders, a large area of paving and a representative stone house. Care such a barrier does not require, arborvitae do not burn from the spring sun, do not drop leaves, keep their shape (young plants for the winter need to tie ropes to the snow did not deform the branches).
Spruce
More economical, a kind of folk alternative to expensive and pretentious hedges of arborvitae can be a dense planting in a number of spruce, brought from a nearby forest. When cutting spruce growth by 1/3 of a Christmas tree turn into a dense cushion.
Dear readers, and what ornamental plants do you use to decorate the fence? Share in the comments why you chose them and how they look.