What kind of garden wall or fence should you build?

There are many reasons to enclose a garden, and many ways to do it. Whether you're building a solid wall, an open fence or a hedge, find out which materials you can use, the general cost of the project and the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

• Materials: Wood or wire
• Expense: Moderate
• Space needed: Little ground space needed
• Advantages: Easy to erect, lets in air and sunlight; simple designs won't compete with other garden features; can be decorated with climbers or other plantings
• Disadvantages: Requires some maintenance

• Materials: Brick, stone or cement
• Expense: Moderate to expensive
• Space needed: Takes up ground space
• Advantages: Adds structure and presence in the landscape; provides permanent backdrop for self-clinging climbers and other plantings; retains heat well for plants that need warmth
• Disadvantages: Relatively difficult and time-consuming to erect

• Materials: Perennial shrubs
• Expense: Fairly inexpensive
• Space needed: Takes up ground space
• Advantages: Creates an attractive, all-natural "living fence," especially if flowering plants are used; provides shelter for wildlife
• Disadvantages: Takes time for plantings to establish, requires pruning and regular maintenance

Dry stone

• Dry stone is the most popular type of wall-building material.
• All you need is stone, a few tools, patience and a strong back to build this mortarless wall.

Concrete blocks

• Concrete blocks are relatively inexpensive and easy to work with, but they're heavy and look utilitarian.
• You can dress up the sides of a concrete block wall with paint or stucco and cap the top with terracotta roof tiles.

Landscaping blocks

• Landscaping blocks are as easy to lay as concrete blocks, but they're much more attractive and much more suitable if you want to build a wall that curves.

Bricks

• Bricks are available in numerous colours, shapes and textures and offer a tidy, formal look.
• Use ordinary bricks where they won't be seen and "facing" bricks for visible surfaces.

Landscape ties

• Landscape (railroad) ties are a good, economical choice for low retaining walls and raised beds.
• Two strong people can easily position them; secure them in place with rebar stakes.

Whichever method or materials you choose, you can find an attractive way to protect your garden sanctuary from the outside world.