Landscaping Ideas for Fence Lines - 10 Strategies to Enhance Your Property's Edges, Featuring Expert Advice from Landscape Architects
Transform that garden fence into an extraordinary, harmonious extension of your outdoor haven. Fences can offer privacy, security, and a fantastic foundation for diverse landscape designs. Here's a palette of innovative ideas to weave your fence into your garden's overall scheme:
10 innovative fence line landscaping ideas that transcend boredom
From modern marvels to the charm of a traditional cottage garden, there's something for every taste in this dynamic collection.
1. Craft a raised bed alongside your fence
Chris Fenmore, founder, and principal designer at Garden Studio Design, tells us that this fence line functions as both a retaining wall and a stunning display. "We faced the concrete retaining wall with vertically grain-matched cedar slats and matched the stain of the fence to that of the house, for a seamless look," Chris explains. Brick raised beds hide beneath the surface, providing an explosion of color, texture, and form to the space. "We planted a row of established canopy trees along the entire back fence line," Chris adds, "olive trees to give immediate privacy, a sense of scale, and a backdrop to the entire backyard." Copper caps and extensive lighting further enhance this avant-garde take on fence integration.
2. Embrace a flowering climber
Elena Fox, a landscape designer at Terremoto, recommends, "In this space, the fence serves double duty - a boundary as well as scaffolding for vines and taller plants to climb. By encouraging vertical growth, the design invites the fence to visually recede, softening its presence and blending it into the landscape. The lush planting creates a sense of intimacy and enclosure without feeling closed off." Plant selections include star jasmine, clematis, and various easy-to-climb plants that create a vibrant, living wall. "If digging into the ground isn't an option, planter boxes and trellises situated next to the fence can also be utilized to create a similar effect," Elena adds.
3. Opt for an open view between garden zones
Fences aren't just for boundaries. "In this project, the family envisioned their backyard as a destination for connection - zones for lounging, dining, and gathering around a fire pit - while keeping the swimming pool's visual and spatial integration intact," explains Sacha McCrae, founder of Living Gardens Landscape Design. A frameless, pool-safe glass fence meets both safety requirements and aesthetics, preserving uninterrupted views of the pool and spa while maintaining a sense of openness. Smaller sections of low plantings soften edges and introduce pops of color.
4. Plant a line of standard trees for a tailored look
A raw, vertical plank cedar fence provides an unrefined backdrop in Chris Fenmore's design. "Standard trees, such as compact prunus caroliniana, ficus nitida, and laurus nobilis, are planted in front. A row of standard trees can be thought of as lollypop-shaped," says Chris. She suggests laying out landscape lighting to accentuate the wood's glow and continue the open, unobstructed look. Keep textured, clean double layers of boxwood hedges in coordination to achieve a refined appearance.
5. Create layers of greenery with pots
When direct digging isn't feasible, container gardens along the fence line can bring life to small spaces. Choose pots with complementary colors and various heights for layers of interest. Larger planters moved toward the back allow for the display of taller, eye-catching plants while maintaining clear views. Curb appeal is enhanced with the strategic use of mirrors and contemporary design features.
6. Mix up the textures
In this front yard landscaping project, suppressing the fence line takes a subtle yet impactful approach. By staggering slats and weaving in varied layers of plants, the design subtly delineates space while promoting seamless and barrier-free interactions. Lush, drought-tolerant vegetation softens the hardscape and adds seasonal color and movement to the garden. Variegated grasses and flowering shrubs create an eccentric, contemporary space.
7. Create a wildlife habitat
While hedges offer more advantages to wildlife, incorporating wildlife-friendly features into fences is possible. Position bug hotels, birdhouses, and birdbaths along the fence line to attract visiting creatures. Choose pollinator-friendly plants, ensuring that flowers provide easy access to pollen. Include winter plants for wildlife as well to help creatures endure colder months.
8. Opt for a drought-tolerant design
For those who prefer a more discreet fence approach, try the subtle delineation provided by weathering steel. Elena Fox recommends, "The fence in this landscape is thoughtfully designed to feel more like an outline than a barrier, gently delineating space without creating division." Layered with drought-tolerant vegetation, water-wise plants, and gravel beds, the fence line takes on a life of its own, softening its presence.
9. Introduce a climber and bold blooms
Experiment with a breathtaking fusion of intricate designs and exploding color by combining detailed weathering steel fences with a swath of vibrant flowers. Choose perennials like helenium, yarrow, penstemon, and verbena bonariensis for long-lasting summer appeal. Ornamental grasses and tones of green, peach, and purple make up the perfect contrast against the fence.
10. Add a water feature for a focal point
With inspiration drawn from prestigious events like the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, fences can be the foundation for stunning water features like the one displayed in Baz Grainger's gold-medal-winning design. As a focal point, this intricate fence mounts a sensational water feature, channels through the garden, and merges modern sculptural shrubs and rare grasses to create a harmonious landscape.
Designer Spotlights
Chris Fenmore: Founder of Garden Studio Design, Chris has over three decades of experience transforming outdoor spaces, specializing in residential and commercial projects across California and beyond. Her passion lies in creating spaces that foster peace, purpose, and a true connection to nature.
Elena Fox: A landscape designer at Terremoto, Elena has a background in architecture and art fabrication that informs her emphasis on site-specific and ecologically-conscious designs. She is passionate about utilizing vernacular building methods and locally-sourced, sustainable materials wherever feasible.
Sacha McCrae: The founder of Living Gardens Landscape Design in Orange County, California, Sacha creates welcoming outdoor rooms that blend natural materials with lush, drought-tolerant plants. She designs with the intent of harmonizing functionality and aesthetic appeal across a wide range of residential and commercial projects.
- To enhance the elegance of raised beds, consider planting succulents and other garden ideas, as suggested by Chris Fenmore, a renowned landscape designer.
- Fashion-and-beauty enthusiasts might find inspiration in incorporating succulent-filled raised beds into their lifestyle, following the innovative ideas presented by landscape designers like Elena Fox.
- If you're a home-and-garden aficionado, why not transition your love for raised beds into an extraordinary, succulent-filled oasis along your fence line, as depicted in the standout designs by Chris Fenmore and others?
