Small gardens can be both functional and decorative. There are various ways to utilise fencing in order to enhance a small garden, but what makes the ideal fencing for small gardens exactly?
Fencing is great at acting as a border, a garden decorative accessory, or even as the ideal framework on which plants can grow. The following information provides small garden fencing ideas that are suitable for any garden at home with limited space.
Editor’s Note [24.07.2024]:
Our article about the ideal fencing for small gardens was originally published on December 12, 2014. Today we have added a new section “Factors to consider when buying fencing for a small garden” with factors including aesthetic appeal, durability, light and visibility, maintenance requirements, and space optimisation. We also added new small garden fencing ideas including a section about picket fencing.
Factors to consider when buying fencing for a small garden
Consider the following factors (as just a few examples) as being especially important as small garden fencing ideas:
1) Aesthetic appeal
Whether you are looking for a modern or traditional style of fencing you are going to want it to be appealing. Fencing needs to be cohesive with your home’s exterior, so the choice of colour is important. But use colour carefully:
- Lighter colours – tend to make smaller spaces feel much larger
- Darker colours – tend to shrink space, but create a cosiness that many owners enjoy
Another way to add aesthetic appeal could be using decorative fencing. Options such as these are great small garden fencing ideas:
You could also personalise fencing with decorative fencing accessories such as post caps and finials or maybe garden accessories like external lighting.
2) Durability and weather resistance
Undoubtedly resistance to decay, weather and pests is vital. Pressure treated wooden fencing (like we supply) protects against all of these, which is why our pressure treated wooden fence panels are guaranteed for 15 years. Metal fences may be prone to rust (if not aluminium) but can provide longevity.
3) Light and visibility
In smaller gardens, it is preferable to use semi-transparent fencing material, rather than solid fencing. Choose fencing styles such as garden trellis, slatted or picket with this in mind. Shorter solid fencing with a top lattice (such as the 6’x4’ Forest Paloma Decorative Fence Panel) is also effective in balancing privacy with light.
4) Maintenance requirements
Supplied untreated or dip treated wooden fences will require regular staining or painting. This maintains their protection against rot and insect damage.
Of course, you could buy our pressure treated fence panels, which are largely “install and forget” and apart from an occasional wipe down will have no maintenance, including no annual retreatment.
5) Space optimisation
Making the most of your space is imperative. Consider options such as:
- Picket fencing – the open designs avoid a boxed-in type feeling and give an impression of extra space
- Trellises - adding climbing plants to trellises and wooden fence panels add value without consuming extra floor space
We now go on to explore some of these topics in further detail.
10 Small Garden Fencing Ideas
If you’re struggling for ideas, read our 10 great small garden fencing ideas. No matter the size or style of your garden, you’re sure to find some useful suggestions below.
Using lattice fencing to make a small garden feel bigger
Many homes have limited outdoor space in which to create a garden. This means having gardens that may be smaller or narrower than the homeowner would like. To make the garden feel bigger, fencing can be used to trick the eye. A fence can be put up in such a way that there are gaps between the panels. This allows the viewer to see beyond the garden through the gaps. Putting up a fence in this way makes the fencing feel less solid and also makes the garden feel more expansive than it actually is.
Garden fencing can be used to define a zone
Inside the home, walls are not only painted to have a decorative effect. Walls are often also painted to define zones; this is especially true in large open-concept rooms. This can also be done in the garden. Fencing, for example, is not only for putting around the boundary of a garden, but it can also be used to define specific areas. This can have the effect of making the garden look more decorative and also make a smaller garden look a bit more spacious. Paint the fencing to complement the colour of nearby garden furniture or even decking to enhance the decorative effect of the fencing. Choose a trellis that is see-through rather than having solid fence panels to make the narrow space of a smaller garden feel more expansive.
Paint fence panels with light-reflecting white
This is an especially effective way to improve a small or seemingly dark garden. The colour scheme also makes gardens with minimal planting look magnificent. When the garden is located near a floor surface, it can be stained black, or a sleek grey paving stone can be chosen to give the area a contemporary look.
Fencing for small gardens can allow for vertical growth
Generally, it is better to use shorter fences in small gardens to make the garden look bigger. However, a tall, smart fence can adorn a garden wall to hide unsightly marks as the plants grow vertically. Modular vertical growing kits can also be purchased to create this vertical growing apparatus to create privacy. The vertical garden (also sometimes called a living wall) can be the ideal way to have greenery all year round. Climbing plants work best, there are a large selection available including flowers, herbs, or even scented plants.
Create a classic look in compact garden spaces with picket fencing
Another excellent choice for small gardens is a picket fence. The openness of their design will not overwhelm smaller spaces and even make smaller gardens appear to be larger and more inviting. The picket gaps allow light to pass through and give a bright and airy feel. Of course, picket fences are ideal if you are looking for a classic fencing design.
Create a country garden look with curved fences
While a contemporary courtyard look may be created with straight-topped garden fences, using curve-topped panels conveys a more relaxed country look. This does not mean an already existing fence in good shape has to be replaced. A trellis with a curved top can create a similar effect and it is much less expensive than replacing an entire garden fence.
Use plant pots on top of a garden fence when garden space is limited
Since space for a garden may be limited or even non-existent, a nice plant pot garden can be created using an existing balcony railing. The balcony railing becomes the garden fence and neat containers can be filled with wonderful blooms that will brighten the limited landscape. A nice potted plant herb garden could also be created with scented herbs like lavender to provide relaxing aromas in a nice lounging space. Trailing greenery could even be used to help create a sense of privacy. Potted plants enhance a small garden fence when there is not enough space to place the pots on the ground. Simply place the pots atop the fence posts to enhance the look of the garden.
Give even the most basic garden space a smooth, contemporary look using wood plastic composite
Choose a nice charcoal grey colour in this environmentally friendly and low maintenance type of fencing. Contemporary fencing can be matched to grey paving and lime-green plants can be used to give the most basic garden a touch of elegance and sophistication.
Use a garden fence to create a nice kitchen herb garden
Position a herb garden near the back door using a wall or garden fences as a backdrop. The pots can be attached with twine to a trellis fence or extra fencing panels can be used as shelves for the pots to sit atop. To show off the greenery of the herbs paint the backdrop in a deep dark shade. Make sure the chosen place for this garden is a sunny spot.
The garden fence does not need to be used as a boundary
Instead, plant the garden fence using single panels of a trellis, which will create vertical interest in the garden. These panels can be placed off flowerbeds, or centrally in flowerbeds. Set them at angles or place them next to one another in such a way they can also be admired from indoors.
If you're thinking about adding a wooden fence to your garden, but aren't sure what style you want to go for, then take a look at our range of shorter garden fences to compliment your garden size. If you want to add a bit more decoration to your garden, but still make sure that the decoration serves a purpose then you may want to consider some garden trellis panels which will allow you to grow plants up them but also serve as a border.
Conclusion – so, what is the ideal fencing for small gardens?
We have now reached the end of our article "the ideal fencing for small gardens". We strongly recommend you prioritise these factors as great small garden fencing ideas - aesthetic appeal, durability and weather resistance, light & visibility, maintenance requirements and space optimisation.
There are many options open to you. Choose lattice fencing to give the impression of a larger garden, adding curved top trellis fence panels is also effective. Fencing can be effective when used to define a zone. Colour is important in smaller gardens with bright colours such as white reflecting light better. Floral climbing plants also contribute well to colour. Vertical gardening techniques and living walls use space effectively by growing upwards.
We find picket fencing is a great option for smaller gardens, due to its openness. Consider adding plant pots where space is limited. We think a particularly effective use is to create a herb garden, it gives you a steady supply of herbs and is aesthetically pleasing. This is just a summary of our garden fence ideas; enjoy your outdoor space by adding fencing to your small garden.
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