What's the point of installing a fence around my garden?

"Fences can serve many purposes in the landscape," says Linda Vater, a Plant Expert on behalf of Southern Living® Plant Collection. "They are a terrific tool for establishing a sense of place and creating intimacy and enclosure. There’s nothing more magical than swinging open a gate and experiencing the loveliness of a garden all at once as we enter. A thoughtfully chosen fence can reflect and enhance a garden’s design. A white picket fence adds to the charm of a flower-filled cottage garden, while a willow or wattle fence is the perfect way to accent a wildflower or edible garden with a more rustic feel. "Garden fences also provide privacy and screening, fostering a sense of tranquility and separation within the bounds of our property, and blocking unsightly features like trash cans and HVAC units. Finally, garden fences can be a helpful tool in keeping curious critters from snacking on your garden goodies. A stout, well cared for fence can be a helpful deterrent when the bunnies come to call!"

How do I decide what fence material is right for me?

"In addition to vinyl or wooden fences, a natural, or living fence is one of the most attractive ways to establish the boundaries of your garden, Vater says. "Select a plant with an upright, narrow growth habit like Red Sky™ Holly that provides height without taking up too much space in terms of width. Another beautiful choice is Diamond Spire® Gardenia , an upright evergreen with emerald coin-shaped foliage that provides fragrant white flowers from spring through fall. For a fuller living fence, cleyera varieties like Romeo® Cleyera or LeAnn™ Cleyera offer fullness, height, easy care, as well as beautiful multi-hued color for visual interest. "If you’re looking to fence off a patio or you’re not able to do in-ground plantings, you can use container plantings to create a fence or border. Simply cluster the pots along the line you wish to screen, then fill them with plants that reach your desired height. You can even add trellises or support stakes to these pots to gain height and screening potential with vining plants. ‘Angyo Star’ Fatshedera is an attractive choice for this style of container garden. With its ivy-like foliage and attractive multi-hued coloration, it brings visual appeal as well as privacy to shady spaces."

How do I decide how tall I want my garden fence to be?

"It all comes down to purpose. If you’re simply seeking to give an outdoor space a sense of definition, you can select a low fence or hedge, such as a boxwood border. A low border of Baby Gem™ Boxwood or even a line of fragrant rosemary plantings like Chef’s Choice® Culinary Rosemary reaching 18-24” can be an attractive way to “fence” in a cluster of flowers for a parterre-like effect," Vater says. "To prevent pests like rabbits, you’ll want a solid fence that’s between 2-3’ high. If you’ve got a deer dilemma, keep in mind that these agile creatures have been known to clear fences as high as 8’ or more, but fences of 8’ or higher can serve as a deterrent. Many animals can also burrow under fences, so if pest prevention is a primary goal of your fence, it may be worth your while to research fences that are a good match for your primary problem-maker." "For a privacy planting, look for shrubs that reach heights of 6’ or higher; you’ll find that many popular evergreens reach 10’ or higher, so from arborvitae to hollies to camellias, you have a vast range of beautiful evergreen options to choose from."

20 Fence Ideas For Your Southern Garden

Sophisticated and Savvy — Photo: Photography Ralph Anderson

Southerners love a beautiful garden. And while plants will always be the spotlight, your garden fence deserves some love too. Done right, a fence can stylistically tie together a garden and really help it shine. Whether you’re in need of strategies to keep out pesky critters or if you’re working with more rambunctious plants and need something to keep plants within a certain area—there's a fence for every need.

First, consider your privacy and stylistic needs, then start limiting your options—because trust us, there are too many to count. From rustic, modern, vintage, or classic cottage character, there’s a fence style to meet your needs. To get you started, we’ve gathered 20 garden fence ideas from across the South to help inspire you.

01 of 20

Bring on Barnhouse Style

Ryan Clark's Fenced Vegetable Garden — Peter Frank Edwards

This plain white fence harks back to simple times. Add farmhouse character with a simple white ranch rail fence.

02 of 20

Bring Out the Vintage with a Picket Fence

White Picket Fence with Pink Azaleas Blooming and a Teal Bike — Ralph Anderson

A traditional picket fence like this one is only three to four feet tall, but packs plenty of character into its short package.

03 of 20

Pick a Paneled Vinyl

New Orleans Garden — Photo: Hector Sanchez

Vinyl is both durable and stylish as house siding, but also for garden fencing. For a little extra character, this homeowner added wire Xs, reminiscent of a barn door, to train vines.

04 of 20

Respect the Timeless Style of Classic Wrought Iron

A wrought iron fence will never go out of style. Play around with different finials, the shapes on top of the rails, to find a style that suits your garden.

05 of 20

Make it Lush

Who said your vegetation can't extend to the garden fence? Maximize your garden's greenery and privacy with a common hedge plant like boxwood or yew.

06 of 20

Stick to Natural Wood

Garden Bench Along Fence in Backyard — Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Lydia Pursell

Natural wood embodies the feeling of easy-going, sun-kissed days in a hammock. This style pairs well with other wood elements, such as furniture or trees.

07 of 20

Cherish Rustic Charm

Purple hydrangeas against rustic fence and gate — Rosmarie Wirz/Getty Images

This log fence is as simple as it gets. Without wood stain, the natural color of the wood will shine. For a lighter look, opt for pine or spruce wood. Redwood and cypress are excellent darker-colored options.

08 of 20

Use White Brick to Elevate Your Style

Birmingham, AL Garden Side Gate with Shrub Fence — Robbie Caponetto

These Birmingham, Alabama homeowners opted to continue a unique white brick motif to their garden gate. The result is a stunning modern-vintage feel.

09 of 20

Charm with White Metal

White metal fencing with purple flowers — Getty Images/Grant Faint

When it comes to Southern charm, wrought iron has nothing on a classic white wire fence. Pair it with low-blooming flowers for a picturesque gardenscape.

10 of 20

Keep it Classic with Vinyl Picket

Sophisticated garden with raised brick beds — Photography Ralph Anderson

Just like a traditional picket fence, but lower-maintenance thanks to durable vinyl. Achieve the same look of your dreams without a bi-yearly paint job.

11 of 20

Install a Wood Trellis

A trellis pulls double duty as both a plant aid and fence. Keep in mind that, like a hedge, it will take time for your chosen plant to fill out the trellis.

12 of 20

Accessorize a Lattice

Clematis growing on fence — Getty Images / Valerii Maksimov

Make your fence an extension of your garden with a lattice pattern. Layering flowers and vining plants, such as the Clematis pictured here, creates a colorful, living boundary for your garden.

13 of 20

Match Stone with Your Siding

Cottage Garden Courtyard — Photo: Ralph Lee Anderson

Stone is a wonderfully versatile material. These homeowners paired different warm-toned stones to compliment the tan siding.

14 of 20

Get Playful with Wood Posts

Unrefined woods posts are the key to this fence's playful and rustic style. With the help of a red fence door and scattered red accents, the garden's style is cohesive.

15 of 20

Modernize the Picket Fence

The American-dream white picket fence seems to be all the rage right now. This fence throws a twist on the classic with an edgier shape.

16 of 20

Try Non-Traditional Brick

rose-covered arch and white fencing — Hector Manuel Sanchez

This unique brick mimics the look of horizontal lap siding, bestowing this garden with a vintage character.

17 of 20

Mix and Match Styles Using the Same Wood

Rectangular garden with wooden fence — Alison Miksch

Like a consistent interior design motif, a consistent wood color can tie together different garden sections or stylistically connect different fences around your home.

18 of 20

Consider a Dark Wood Stain

Back garden with black timber fence and trees — Getty

Dark woods and stains are making a comeback in the interior design world. Extend the trend to your garden with a dark wooden fence.

19 of 20

Mix it Up with Horizontal Panels

Heat-Tolerant Courtyard — Photo: Ryann Ford

Everyone uses vertical panels, so why not switch it up? Horizontal panels create continuity with other horizontal surfaces, such as overhanging shades.

20 of 20

Admire an Ornamental Fence

Decorative wrought iron garden gate — Getty Images/John Lovette

The fancier cousin of the simple wrought iron fence, this decorative fence compliments almost any garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the point of installing a fence around my garden?

"Fences can serve many purposes in the landscape," says Linda Vater, a Plant Expert on behalf of Southern Living® Plant Collection. "They are a terrific tool for establishing a sense of place and creating intimacy and enclosure. There’s nothing more magical than swinging open a gate and experiencing the loveliness of a garden all at once as we enter. A thoughtfully chosen fence can reflect and enhance a garden’s design. A white picket fence adds to the charm of a flower-filled cottage garden, while a willow or wattle fence is the perfect way to accent a wildflower or edible garden with a more rustic feel.

"Garden fences also provide privacy and screening, fostering a sense of tranquility and separation within the bounds of our property, and blocking unsightly features like trash cans and HVAC units. Finally, garden fences can be a helpful tool in keeping curious critters from snacking on your garden goodies. A stout, well cared for fence can be a helpful deterrent when the bunnies come to call!"
How do I decide what fence material is right for me?

"In addition to vinyl or wooden fences, a natural, or living fence is one of the most attractive ways to establish the boundaries of your garden, Vater says. "Select a plant with an upright, narrow growth habit like Red Sky™ Holly that provides height without taking up too much space in terms of width. Another beautiful choice is Diamond Spire® Gardenia, an upright evergreen with emerald coin-shaped foliage that provides fragrant white flowers from spring through fall. For a fuller living fence, cleyera varieties like Romeo® Cleyera or LeAnn™ Cleyera offer fullness, height, easy care, as well as beautiful multi-hued color for visual interest.

"If you’re looking to fence off a patio or you’re not able to do in-ground plantings, you can use container plantings to create a fence or border. Simply cluster the pots along the line you wish to screen, then fill them with plants that reach your desired height. You can even add trellises or support stakes to these pots to gain height and screening potential with vining plants. ‘Angyo Star’ Fatshedera is an attractive choice for this style of container garden. With its ivy-like foliage and attractive multi-hued coloration, it brings visual appeal as well as privacy to shady spaces."
How do I decide how tall I want my garden fence to be?

"It all comes down to purpose. If you’re simply seeking to give an outdoor space a sense of definition, you can select a low fence or hedge, such as a boxwood border. A low border of Baby Gem™ Boxwood or even a line of fragrant rosemary plantings like Chef’s Choice® Culinary Rosemary reaching 18-24” can be an attractive way to “fence” in a cluster of flowers for a parterre-like effect," Vater says.

"To prevent pests like rabbits, you’ll want a solid fence that’s between 2-3’ high. If you’ve got a deer dilemma, keep in mind that these agile creatures have been known to clear fences as high as 8’ or more, but fences of 8’ or higher can serve as a deterrent. Many animals can also burrow under fences, so if pest prevention is a primary goal of your fence, it may be worth your while to research fences that are a good match for your primary problem-maker."

"For a privacy planting, look for shrubs that reach heights of 6’ or higher; you’ll find that many popular evergreens reach 10’ or higher, so from arborvitae to hollies to camellias, you have a vast range of beautiful evergreen options to choose from."