Fencing and Gates in Landscapes

Fencing and Gates can be an influential elements defining the character of any landscape or garden, but they play an especially important role in the small, courtyard landscape. When the fence and gate become close and present architecture in a landscape experience, the scale, proportions and materials take on increased significance toward the character of the outdoor room. Garden Design Inc. designs and installs standard and custom fences and gates in Allentown and the surrounding Lehigh Valley.

When a landscape design includes fences and gates, consider the garden visitors experience of those architectural elements. Will they feel trapped by the fence or made safe and secure by it? Will the material be warm and inviting to create a sense of peace and harmony in the garden? Or will it be sleek and refined to express a certain elegance whether classic or modern of design intent?  Or will it be practical and uninteresting, thus best veiled by plantings or other landscape elements?

Wood fences and gates tend toward the warm and inviting end of the design character spectrum. Being a natural material, and one from a living object, we experience a sense of that life in the fence. The type of wood will further define the landscape character.  A pine fence will be organic and campy while a custom hardwood fence may express a mid-century modern craftsmanship.

Vinyl fences are practical and lack much in the way of character. There are some nicer styles that are made with more detailed craftsmanship. But it is still a synthetic material, a cold material and not a welcoming option. However, it is a very practical option as the initial cost of the fencing and gates will be lower than a custom wood fence and the long term maintenance cost of the fencing will be very low. Vinyl fencing works best with some distance between the patio or outdoor living areas and the fence such that a veil of plantings can be installed to soften the overall affect of the fence.

Less standard and more innovative fencing and gates can be designed with a variety of materials from bamboo fencing to metal fencing options. These custom options get expensive but offer a unique character to the landscape courtyard. An especially distinctive and warm option is to combine solid fencing materials with living fence elements. Vines have long been used to soften fences and create character to a space. For more innovoative fence ideas, review :  Garden Design Inc – Pinterest Fence Portfolio

Gates are one of the most memorable and architecturally defining element of any garden. The express a first impression to the landscape visitor. A solid gate of quality and craftsmanship will express a quality in the landscape design. Good garden gates can be expensive, but are well worth it in respect to the importance in a landscape. Review gate ideas at: Garden Design Inc. , Pinterest Portfolio of Gates

Take time to design fences and gates the relate the overall character of the landscape. There are many good fence builders in Allentown PA. Garden Design Inc. has designed and installed a wide variety of fences and gates in Allentown and the surrounding Lehigh Valley.