• Home
  • ABOUT
  • VIDEOS
  • Contact
  • SHOP

The Impatient Gardener

Garden

A garden fence … finally!

December 27, 2018

Fenced vegetable garden

If you had told me last March when I wrote on this blog about my rather grand plan for a new vegetable garden that I would still be updating you on it nine months later, well, I probably wouldn’t have done it.

Suffice to say, I had no idea what a big project I was dreaming up. But progress on the vegetable garden continues.

A few weeks ago we had a fence installed. Its main purpose is to protect those precious vegetables and fruit from the marauding gang of deer in the neighborhood, but it turns out it has other benefits too.

Vegetable garden fence

The fence from afar. The main entrance is at the end on the left side of the photo.

I just didn’t recognize it until I walked inside my newly fenced garden. 

Enclosing a space is always a funny thing. You assume it’s going to make a space feel smaller, but it almost always has the opposite effect. I noticed this same phenomenon when we were renovating the house and the drywall went up.

It’s a good lesson: boundaries that define spaces can help make those spaces feel larger rather than smaller. 

When I walked around in the fenced-in garden I was delighted at how the space felt bigger, but also somehow more private, which is a little silly because especially now, with nothing growing, it’s just as open as it was.

Lest anyone thing this very long project is really finished, allow me to just briefly share what else is planned.

First of all, I’ll be staining the supports—posts and top and bottom panel supports—as soon as possible. I’m leaning toward black, but I could be persuaded to do gray if collectively we think there’s too much black happening. Weigh in in the comments, please!

I am also considering cladding the posts so you can’t see the metal panels stapled on the outside and to make it look a little more finished. Speaking of the metal panels, it’s not really panels. I think it was just welded wire on a big roll. I specified 4-inch square holes in the welded wire and was surprised to find 2-inch by 4-inch holes instead. For a moment I thought about asking them to change it (and brought it up seeking comment on Instagram) but dropped it because it has the added benefit of keeping more smaller critters out and, well, it was finished. It just didn’t seem like a battle worth fighting.

vegetable garden gate

A utilitarian gate at the back of the garden offers easy access to the compost pile. We had the gates made wide enough to fit the riding mower through in case wen need to bring in the trailer.

A decorative gate is planned for the main entrance, and we’ll be building (very soon, I hope) a simple arbor for over that gate and I’ll be planting climbing roses there. 

Fenced vegetable garden

The tall posts at the main gate will allow us to install an arbor above along with a decorative gate.

And then there is in-ground fruit growing area. Espalier apples and pears are planned, but I also would like small raspberry bushes, espalier currants (more on this later), strawberries and more in those skinny beds on the sides. And along the back (the north end), I would like to plant an espalier Belgian fence, although I don’t know if that will happen this year.

garden fence

Can’t you picture an espalier apple tree right there?

Fruit beds in vegetable garden

Skinny in-ground beds down the sides will be used for growing fruit.

And of course there is the center focal point to be determined. In terms of daydreaming, this project just keeps delivering. Stay tuned!

More on the vegetable garden:

  • The first steps
  • Building the raised beds
  • Staining and sealing
  • Planting for the first time
  • Adding gravel
fence vegetable garden
by Erin @ The Impatient Gardener 
41 Comments

About Erin @ The Impatient Gardener

View all posts by Erin @ The Impatient Gardener

Related Posts

  • fresh turmericThe beautiful oddball: Growing turmeric
  • Large Brandyfred tomato in handThe success or failure of this garden comes down to one tomato
  • onionsA great onion harvest proves taking chances can pay off
  • resdesigned gardenMidsummer garden check-in
previous post: Getting ‘smart’ about garden storage
next post: The 2018 garden: Delightful dahlias and never-ending projects

Comments

  1. Judy H says: December 27, 2018 at 6:48 am

    I like the idea of grey for the posts. And as far as cladding the posts, I probably wouldn’t bother. By the time you have vines, bushes and trees growing you won’t be able to tell. It’s beautiful. Can’t wait to see the front gate.

    Reply
    • Erin @ The Impatient Gardener says: December 27, 2018 at 4:08 pm

      That’s a great point! Thanks for weighing in.

      Reply
  2. Kim says: December 27, 2018 at 7:15 am

    We had to put a fence around our garden b/c the rabbits were eating so much. It has been a wonderful decision. Your fencing looks fabulous and you will never regret these smaller openings. Can’t wait to see the next steps in this.

    Reply
    • Erin @ The Impatient Gardener says: December 27, 2018 at 4:08 pm

      Thanks, Kim!

      Reply
  3. Joanna says: December 27, 2018 at 7:48 am

    It looks great! I think I’d go with gray for the posts. Black would probably fade into gray anyway. Let the planning begin. It’s going to be fun to watch the evolution of your new garden.

    Reply
    • Erin @ The Impatient Gardener says: December 27, 2018 at 4:08 pm

      You make a good point about the fading. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

      Reply
  4. Susan A says: December 27, 2018 at 8:00 am

    I would lean toward a light grey semi-transparent stain. It would allow your eye to pass through the fence rather than focus on it. It would also compliment the color of your raised beds. With all the things you still plan on adding to your garden your fence will be mostly camouflaged anyway. I think the fencing you have is perfect. You’ll be glad you have smaller openings. They also looks more decorative than square holes. Great Job!

    Reply
    • Erin @ The Impatient Gardener says: December 27, 2018 at 4:09 pm

      Thanks, Susan!

      Reply
  5. Lisa at Greenbow says: December 27, 2018 at 8:12 am

    I agree with the gray thinkers for all they said. I think this fence looks fantastic. It will also block the traffic that passes by. There are just so many pluses about it. It will be fun to watch your garden grow.

    Reply
    • Erin @ The Impatient Gardener says: December 27, 2018 at 4:09 pm

      But can I contain my enthusiasm until it’s actually time to grow something? That’s the REAL question! Thanks for weighing in, Lisa.

      Reply
  6. Misti says: December 27, 2018 at 8:36 am

    That’s a beautiful fence!

    Reply
    • Erin @ The Impatient Gardener says: December 27, 2018 at 4:09 pm

      Thanks, Misti!

      Reply
  7. the planner says: December 27, 2018 at 9:06 am

    I have fence envy

    Reply
  8. Laura says: December 27, 2018 at 9:37 am

    Black

    Reply
    • Erin @ The Impatient Gardener says: December 27, 2018 at 4:10 pm

      Thanks for weighing in, Laura.

      Reply
  9. Barbara says: December 27, 2018 at 9:38 am

    Definitely gray so it won’t be a focal point. What a fun place.

    Reply
    • Erin @ The Impatient Gardener says: December 27, 2018 at 4:10 pm

      Thanks for your thoughts, Barbara!

      Reply
  10. Diane Amick says: December 27, 2018 at 10:09 am

    The posts will fade out to a silvery grey in a couple of years anyway, so don’t waste your time…especially if you’re going to espalier and/or grow climbing crops on the fence. You’ll be glad for the 2” x 4” openings…hopefully the bunnies can’t get through to birth their babies under lettuce and broccoli leaves inside the raised beds. I’m adding triangular raised beds in the corners this spring and along the short ends skinny beds for peas, cucumbers and other climbing viney plants to increase yield. We have five 4’ x 8’ raised beds…last summer we added a 4’ x 4’ connector like the crossbar of an H to the right and left end beds for more growing space that’s still easily moved around in. I also hope to add espalier fruit trees this year…my asparagus bed runs the length of the back 40’ side.

    Reply
    • Erin @ The Impatient Gardener says: December 27, 2018 at 4:11 pm

      That’s a lot of asparagus! Your garden sounds amazing! Thanks for weighing on in the big color debate!

      Reply
  11. Lori W. says: December 27, 2018 at 10:54 am

    I am leaning toward simply sealing the wood as-is and letting the it weather over time. The patina will be a pretty grey, and sealing it will protect it. I can understand wanting to paint it because it will still be mostly visible until your plantings mature. If you just have to paint it, do a grey/brown that blends into the landscape; not black, but not full grey either. Also, keep in mind that once you paint it, you will have to repaint it. I am not sure about you, but I can think of about a 100 other things I would rather do in the yard and garden than paint anything!

    Reply
    • Erin @ The Impatient Gardener says: December 27, 2018 at 4:11 pm

      Great point, Lori!

      Reply
    • Patti Vincent says: February 24, 2023 at 8:41 pm

      What will you seal the wood with? I am right behind you gals in my garden fence building. Thanks for being inspirations!

      Reply
  12. Shelly says: December 27, 2018 at 11:56 am

    I love this, it just keeps getting better! Looking forward to seeing the next steps! Great job! GREY..

    Reply
    • Erin @ The Impatient Gardener says: December 27, 2018 at 4:11 pm

      Thanks, Shelly!

      Reply
  13. Jennifer says: December 27, 2018 at 1:43 pm

    Same as the raised beds, which are stained black, yes? Don’t listen to those gray people! Black is more striking. But I suppose we should ask what the decorative gate will be like…

    Reply
    • Erin @ The Impatient Gardener says: December 27, 2018 at 4:12 pm

      Thanks, Jennifer! The gate is going to be totally dreamy, at least to me, and yet one more thing to obsess about what color I should make it. Thanks for weighing in!

      Reply
  14. Cortney D says: December 27, 2018 at 7:09 pm

    Oh gosh, I love black in the garden, though a charcoal gray is also lovely. We’ve painted everything ‘French Beret’ by Benjamin Moore (exterior stain) and the green of anything against it makes for the most wonderful contrast- they make each other look better! I can’t wait to see your decorative gate and arbor!

    Reply
  15. Maura says: December 27, 2018 at 7:32 pm

    Black! With the garden full of plants, green will be the dominant color. And black will make an elegant contrast.
    I just love it so far. There’s a point in every big project when I think “what have I gotten myself into!” but I’m usually happy at the end.

    Reply
  16. Linda B. says: December 30, 2018 at 2:00 pm

    Just reading my new garden book, “At West Dean,” and they emphasize having a “house” color to unify everything in the garden. But they also paint plant supports and metal fences matte black. Though they will be partly covered with foliage, I would think about what will extend the life of the wood rather than maintenance per se. Also, do you want this to stand out like the beautiful creation it is or fade away? I’d look in books and Pinterest etc for answers.

    Reply
  17. Val says: January 4, 2019 at 9:46 am

    Love your garden. I put my raised beds in last year and yield was awesome and maintenance much less. Plus it’s beautiful to look at. I like the soft grey as well. Can’t wait to see more!

    Reply
    • Erin @ The Impatient Gardener says: January 7, 2019 at 9:10 pm

      Thanks Val! I am a true believer in raised beds!

      Reply
  18. Jo says: February 17, 2019 at 4:00 pm

    How large was the fenced in area? I am wanting to do this but can’t figure how large the garden encasement is fir fencing. $$

    Reply
  19. Astrid says: March 27, 2020 at 2:07 pm

    I love your new vegetable garden! I’m thinking of building a fence for a small fruit orchard at our new house.

    Reply
  20. Kari Jo says: August 3, 2020 at 10:51 am

    We love this fence and would love if you could share any details/specs on the lumber used, how it was built, etc. We are trying to elegantly suggest some boundaries to our tiny flock of rescued bantam hens and 2 turkeys (who really prefer to go where they please), and we think this a perfect design! Any info you could provide would be so appreciated!

    Reply
  21. Angela Viehland says: December 14, 2020 at 2:23 pm

    Getting ready to redesign our fence to ensure we keep out squirrels, bunnies and our two cute dogs. Living in the city squirrels are the biggest issues and they constantly tear up the garden, especially in the Fall when hiding their nuts. We are looking at possibly adding an electric fence near the upper section so we don’t have to completely enclose the garden. I know in the blog and video you mention using cattle panels but I am assuming you don’t have squirrel issues since those openings are pretty large. I’ve used chicken wire but its hard to incorporate that on a larger fence scale. Wish those came in larger sizes. Any thing you would change in your fence now that you’ve had it a few years?

    Reply
  22. Peggy says: May 16, 2021 at 8:31 am

    I’m looking to hire a company to install a fence like yours. Can you share?
    Thank you

    Reply
  23. Heather says: April 23, 2023 at 8:27 am

    So thankful for watching and reading about your veggie garden build. We live in a similar situation in Michigan- deer, lots of mature trees, ect. In process of building a similar garden space now and so excited 🙂

    Reply

Leave Your Comments Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

About

The Impatient Gardener

Do you love gardening? Me too! I'm Erin and I garden in Southeastern Wisconsin, zone 5. The Impatient Gardener is all about real-life gardening: the good parts, the bad bits and even the funny stuff. It's part information, part inspiration and a little bit commiseration. Thanks for visiting.

Here's some more about me.

CONNECT

Awards

Garden Comm award

MY FAVORITE GEAR

https://www.amazon.com/shop/impatientgardener

Instagram

impatientgardener

Erin Schanen 🌿 The Impatient Gardener
I toured 12 gardens over the long weekend and I no I toured 12 gardens over the long weekend and I noticed that many have little mascots around bringing joy or peace or protecting the garden. Here are a few. 

Photos 1, 2 and 9 are from @jennyrosecarey amazing garden @northviewgarden 

Photos 3 and 4 are from @paxsonhillfarm 

Photos 5 and 6 from @edgewood_gardens 

Photo 7 from Michael Bowell and Simple’s Create a Scene garden

Photo 8 from Carol Verhake’s @lastingimagelandscapes amazing garden 

#gbfling2023
The koi at @chanticleergarden are a very friendly The koi at @chanticleergarden are a very friendly bunch. They are also very big, which is good news for them and bad news for the heron who was hanging out looking for a snack.

*I definitely didn’t get into the pond to film this. Action camera on a very long stick. 😀
We’ve reached the stage of my garden visits in t We’ve reached the stage of my garden visits in the Philadelphia area where the number of photos showing amazing bits and pieces has out measured my ability to post and label everything properly. So here’s a photo dump of some gorgeousness and you must tell me what you love most. Some of these are from @chanticleergarden and others are from private gardens. 

#gbfling2023
Scenes from the amazing @brandywinecottage What a Scenes from the amazing @brandywinecottage What a treat to visit a garden that I’ve studied in books and seen in many of David Culp’s talks. Beautiful even in a tropical storm (and perhaps even moreso). 

#gbfling2023
Load More Follow on Instagram

SEARCH

Popular posts

  • HOW TO MAKE A HOLIDAY WINDOW BOX
  • GARDEN TOUR: WHERE CONIFERS AND TEXTURE RULE
  • A great looking wood floor for pennies? You bet!
  • It’s time to cut your tomato losses

Find us on Facebook

Archives

  • ABOUT
  • TALK TO ME
  • TERMS & DISCLAIMERS
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • Home

Copyright © 2023 · Prima Donna theme by Georgia Lou Studios

Copyright 2009-2021 ©The Impatient Gardener