BEST PLANTS TO GROW ALONG A FENCE LINE

If you’re looking to improve the appearance of your fence and transform it into a more aesthetically pleasing feature, there are several factors to consider before choosing the right plants. First, assess the type of fence you have, its location, and its intended function—whether it’s for privacy, decoration, or simply to mark boundaries. Additionally, think about the available space and the growing conditions in your area, such as sunlight, soil type, and water availability. Once you’ve got these details, you’ll be in a better position to choose the perfect plants that will enhance the look of your fence line while fulfilling your specific needs.

In this article, we’ll share some creative and practical ideas to help you transform your fence line into a beautiful and functional feature. Whether you’re looking to add privacy, enhance curb appeal, or create a cozy garden space, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and get started!

The Fence And Its Location

The space next to a fence is often overlooked in gardens, but it’s a prime opportunity to enhance your outdoor space. Fences are typically installed to define property boundaries, offer safety, and provide privacy, whether they’re made from wood, aluminum, chain link, or even a charming picket fence. Instead of hiding your fence, consider ways to enhance its appearance, especially if it has appealing features. However, keep in mind that fences require occasional maintenance, like painting, so you’ll want to select plants that allow for easy access for upkeep.

When choosing plants for the fence line, it’s crucial to consider the growing conditions of the area. Different plants have varying needs, such as full sun, partial shade, or shade, as well as differing water requirements. Additionally, whether the fence offers shelter from the wind or is exposed to it can affect plant growth. Here’s a breakdown of how the direction of the fence impacts plant selection:

  • North-facing sites receive less direct sunlight and tend to be cooler. They warm up later in the season and experience fewer temperature extremes, making them suitable for plants that thrive in shaded or cooler environments.
  • South-facing sites get more sunlight, remain warmer, and warm up earlier in the season. These areas may require plants that can tolerate more heat and dryness.
  • East-facing sites receive more sunlight in the morning, making them ideal for plants that thrive in morning sun and prefer less intense afternoon heat.
  • West-facing sites enjoy more sunlight in the afternoon, which can lead to hotter conditions later in the day, so choose plants that can handle the heat and have some tolerance for drought.

Understanding these factors will help you select the best plants that will thrive along your fence while complementing your garden’s needs.

Type Of Garden

When deciding what to plant along your fence line, it’s important to consider the overall design and feel of your garden. For a cohesive look, you might want to choose plants that blend seamlessly with the rest of your garden and any existing screening elements you have. If you already have hedges or other plants that provide privacy, you can complement those by selecting similar species for the fence line, maintaining harmony across the space.

Another consideration is the primary purpose of your fence garden. If your main goal is to create a screen or add privacy, you can opt for tall, dense shrubs or climbing plants like ivy, jasmine, or climbing roses. However, if you’re more interested in making productive use of the space, planting vegetables can be a great option. You can position shorter plants, such as leafy greens, near the front of the fence and use the back area for taller crops like beans or vine tomatoes that can climb a trellis or the fence itself. This approach not only adds functionality to the space but also provides a natural, living screen.

Ultimately, fenceline landscaping is all about tailoring the design to what works best for your family and the conditions in your garden. Whether you’re creating a beautiful border, adding privacy, or growing fresh produce, the possibilities are endless, and the choice should reflect your needs and style.

Hedge Plants, Vines, And Creepers

If creating a natural screen along your fence line is a priority, there are several plant options that can grow tall without spreading too widely, providing privacy and softening the view. These plants can be relatively low-maintenance, especially if they’re allowed to grow higher than the fence, giving you added privacy.

Some excellent hedge plants for screening include:

  • Buxus (Boxwood): A classic choice, Buxus is dense, hardy, and can be shaped easily.
  • Lilly Pilly: Known for its lush foliage and vibrant, colorful flowers, Lilly Pilly is great for creating a screen that’s both attractive and functional.
  • Murraya (Orange Jasmine): This plant has fragrant white flowers and glossy green leaves, perfect for adding a soft, fragrant touch to your fence line.
  • Photinia: With its red-tipped leaves, Photinia offers both privacy and visual interest year-round.
  • Viburnum: A versatile and hardy shrub, Viburnum provides dense coverage and seasonal flowers.

For a more dynamic option, vines and creepers can also serve as fantastic screening plants. They can easily climb up your fence and fill in gaps, providing lush coverage. When selecting vines, consider the local climate and conditions. A visit to local gardens can give you insights into what grows well in your area. Nurseries can also offer advice on suitable plants for your soil type and growing environment.

Just be cautious not to plant anything that could become invasive and difficult to manage, such as trumpet vine, which can spread uncontrollably and create issues for both your garden and your neighbors.

For a dramatic, eye-catching effect, consider:

  • Climbing roses: These can grow 15 to 30 feet high, producing abundant, fragrant blooms that add a burst of color and charm to your fence.
  • Boston Ivy: This plant features stunning three-pronged leaves that change color with the seasons, along with purple fruits. It’s hardy and doesn’t mind a variety of growing conditions.
  • Bougainvillea: Known for its vibrant, colorful blooms in shades of orange, yellow, red, and purple, Bougainvillea thrives in full sun and adds a tropical feel to your garden. Plus, it’s drought-resistant, making it a great option for warmer climates.

When selecting plants for your fence line, always consider their growth habits, maintenance requirements, and how they will interact with your space. Whether you’re looking for privacy, beauty, or both, these plants can help transform your fence into a feature that enhances your garden.

The Cottage Garden

Cottage gardens have long been cherished for their romantic charm and eclectic style, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere. This type of garden thrives on an informal and natural arrangement of plants, where a mix of flowering perennials and fragrant herbs come together to create a cozy, colorful space. Hollyhocks, Delphiniums, Phlox, Daisies, and similar flowers are staples in cottage gardens, while aromatic herbs like lavender, rosemary, and thyme add both beauty and fragrance.

When planting along a fence line, local knowledge can be a huge advantage. Understanding your area’s climate and growing conditions can help you choose plants that thrive, ensuring vibrant, year-round color. If you have the space, create a gentle, curving border about two feet away from the fence (or wider if preferred). This will allow enough room for a mix of annuals and perennials that bloom in various seasons. For instance, spring flowers and bulbs provide an early burst of color after winter’s chill, while shrubs can offer structure and privacy. These types of plantings can serve both decorative and functional purposes as garden privacy ideas along the fence.

Fenceline landscaping doesn’t need to be overly complicated. The same basic principles of gardening apply: consider the growing conditions, the sun exposure, and the purpose of the space. Be mindful that solid materials like brick or stone can absorb and radiate heat, which may not be suitable for certain plants that prefer cooler conditions.

While many gardeners take pride in their meticulously designed spaces, you don’t need to create an elaborate garden to achieve a beautiful, well-maintained look. Keeping things simple and focusing on the essentials—like choosing the right plants for your fence line and considering the functionality of the fence—can go a long way in making your garden a visually pleasing and enjoyable space.

Other Decoration Ideas

If your fence is unsightly and you want a quick solution, consider using a decorative screen instead of a plain trellis. There are many beautiful designs available, from sleek modern styles to intricate traditional patterns, allowing you to not only cover up the fence but also enhance the visual appeal of your garden.

If you love garden ornaments, why not incorporate them into your fence landscaping? A small fountain, garden statue, or other decorative pieces can add charm and continuity to the overall theme of your garden. Be sure to choose ornaments that complement the style of your garden, whether it’s rustic, contemporary, or whimsical.

When attaching items like a bird feeder or hanging baskets to the fence, it’s important to ensure that the fence is sturdy enough to support them. You don’t want the added weight to compromise the stability of the fence, so take the time to reinforce it if needed. This way, you can enjoy your ornaments without worrying about any mishaps.

CONCLUSION

The possibilities for transforming your garden are endless, limited only by your imagination. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of a shaped hedge or the vibrant, carefree charm of a cottage garden, you have a wealth of options to explore. You can create privacy by selecting plants specifically for screening, or get creative by incorporating plants that also serve as a food source, such as herbs, vegetables, or fruit-bearing plants. The choice is entirely up to you! Whatever direction you take, make sure it reflects your personal style and the needs of your space. With the right plants and a little planning, your garden can become a beautiful, functional extension of your home.

DEFYING NORMS: WOMAN IN HER 50S REDEFINES AGING AND INSPIRES OTHERS ONLINE

It can be disheartening to watch beloved celebrities, teachers, and parents age, as it reminds us that nothing in life is permanent. However, society often exaggerates the significance of aging, especially when it comes to turning 50. Many people treat this milestone as if it marks the beginning of the end, suggesting that the subsequent years are merely a countdown to life’s conclusion. In reality, countless individuals in their 50s and beyond are vibrant, healthy, and mentally sharp. Turning 50 is just as significant as any other birthday.

Luisa Dunn embodies this perspective. As a model and photographer, she refuses to let her age define her. She has become a fashion inspiration for many, using TikTok as her outfit diary to showcase her style and celebrate the joy of dressing up at any age.

Some people dread their 50s as it marks half of a century, but others, like Luisa Dunn, are still enjoying life, sharing the wisdom accumulated through the years

At 52 years old, Luisa Dunn is making waves as a model and photographer, amassing 457k followers on Instagram and over 200k on TikTok. Through her social media presence, she champions age visibility and promotes the concept of positive aging.

Luisa’s modeling journey is anything but conventional. Unlike many models who begin their careers in their teens and retire to pursue education, she started her career at 31. For nearly a decade, she has worked in various print and TV campaigns, proving that it’s never too late to pursue your passions and redefine beauty standards at any age.

Luisa Dunn is a model, a former photographer and positive ageing advocate

At 41, Luisa made the decision to launch her newborn photography business, finding it challenging to balance her modeling career with raising two young children. Then, in 2020, she took another significant step by slowing down her photography business to focus on building her online presence.

On Instagram, Luisa showcases her modeling looks, while on TikTok, she engages her audience with an intriguing series that highlights her everyday outfits. Her aim is to inspire others, particularly women in her own age group, demonstrating that style and confidence can flourish at any age.

She is currently 52 years old and embraces her age and experiences that come with it

Luisa’s fashion sense is anything but typical for women in their 50s. In fact, many may not even associate a distinctive style with mature women, but Luisa proves that notion wrong. Her unique approach to fashion is defined by vibrant colors, flattering silhouettes, and trendy elements.

In a conversation with Now To Love, she described her style philosophy as “having fun with fashion.” She expressed, “I’m drawn to color—as much and as often as possible. I mix palettes and textures, old and new, elegant and casual. I’m a mood and moment dresser.” This playful attitude toward fashion highlights her belief that age should never limit one’s ability to express individuality and creativity through clothing.

However, she rejects the image that society has of how a woman in her 50s is supposed to look

Another distinctive choice Luisa has made is embracing her natural hair color. Just a few years ago, she regularly dyed her hair, but she shared with Homebodii that her journey began with a realization: “Coloring my hair/roots every 14 days was simply not a source of joy in my life anymore. In fact, it was quite the opposite.”

Transitioning to her natural silver hair was not an easy process. Luisa described the mental challenges she faced, saying, “The most challenging part mentally was to actively seek a positive balance to counter the negative anti-aging and ‘grey equals old’ messages that many of us are exposed to every single day, often without being aware of their long-term impact.”

On top of these mental hurdles, the physical transition posed its own difficulties. Luisa noted, “There is no easy or short path to growing out your natural hair, especially if you prefer a longer length and value healthy hair. The process is long and requires a lot of patience, especially if you choose to embrace it cold turkey.” Through it all, Luisa remains an inspiring example of self-acceptance and redefining beauty at any age.

On her TikTok, Luisa shares colorful, bold and trendy outfits that make her look youthful and full of vitality

Now that Luisa fully embraces her natural hair, she feels a renewed sense of happiness and creativity, noting that her silver hair allows her to experiment with vibrant colors in her outfits. She shares, “I’m also loving exploring how being ‘silver’ has given me an entirely new perspective on being creative with both color matching and contrasting. I can re-wear forgotten gems with a completely different sense of style.”

While Luisa serves as an inspiration to others, she also seeks inspiration from talented stylists and creatives. She believes that following these influencers, rather than just the celebrities they dress, offers a more enriching experience: “Exceptionally talented stylists and creatives have now also become the sine qua non for fashion trendsetting and inspiration, so following them probably gets you better bang for your buck in time spent.”

For Luisa, dressing up is an art form. She enjoys the process of putting together outfits just as much as wearing them and showcasing her style, reinforcing her belief that fashion is a powerful means of self-expression at any age.

Not only does Luisa have a distinct style, but she is not afraid of her gray hair that others would associate with old age

While it may seem that Luisa has always exuded confidence, she revealed to Brave And True that this hasn’t always been the case. In fact, she feels more confident now than she did at 31, when she began her modeling career.

Today, Luisa finds herself driven by a larger purpose. She expresses, “I was really inspired by their age-positive mission and felt drawn to be part of the pro-age movement. I believe age diversity, visibility, and inclusion are paramount to helping disrupt the negative aging narrative we have in our society and to shine a light on the importance of fighting against ageism.”

Through her work and presence, Luisa is not only embracing her own journey but also advocating for a shift in societal attitudes toward aging, encouraging others to celebrate their age and all that comes with it.

But the model thinks that it’s just part of her and wishes she would have stopped dyeing it earlier

Luisa’s followers resonate deeply with her empowering message and creative outfits. It’s refreshing to witness someone who has experienced so much of life still embracing new challenges and passionately advocating for change in societal views on aging.

What are your thoughts on Luisa’s approach? Would you feel confident enough to adopt her style? Do you believe that people should dress in a way that aligns with their age, or should fashion be a realm of limitless expression? We’d love to hear your opinions in the comments

conclusion

In conclusion, Luisa Dunn stands as a vibrant example of how age can be embraced and celebrated through personal style and self-expression. By defying conventional norms surrounding aging, she inspires others to rethink their perceptions and embrace their individuality, regardless of age. Luisa’s journey showcases the power of confidence and the importance of advocating for age diversity and inclusion in fashion. Her commitment to living authentically encourages her followers to experiment with their style and fosters a community where all ages can shine. Ultimately, Luisa reminds us that fashion knows no boundaries and that we can all dress to reflect our unique personalities, regardless of the number of candles on our birthday cake.