Build Your Own Walls & Fences [antikvár]

INTRODUCTIOM Garden walls and fences are invaluable elements withiin all garden sctiemes. Ttiey provide security, add privacy, and are frequently used to define ttie boundary of a property. They may also be erected specifically to block out unsigtitly views or service areas, to furnish some protection from the elements, or to provide a perfect backdrop or support for plants. Whatever the size or style of your garden, these varied structures also give you the opportunity to subdivide and reorganize the stiape and function of your outdoor space. The concept of enclosing areas around homes and dividing parts of the garden to create separate, often private, areas is nothing new. Ancient civilizations used walls and hedges to create secluded courtyards and kitchen gardens. The most famous wall is probably the Great Wall of Ctiina, built in about 200 BC. a monumental masonry structure over 1500 miles long which still stands. In medieval times, enclosures were largely constructed as a means of defense, and walled paradise gardens (or parks) were popular. Early European gardens often included walls and neatly clipped hedges to introduce a feeling of formality, while the cottage gardens of 18th-century England featured rustic fences, stone walls, and hedgerows planted with a mix of shrubs and trees. Many of the most famous late-Victorian gardeners used walls, fences, screens, and hedges to create secret gardens and a series of A timber panel fence forms a perfect backdrop for pretty plants. "rooms" outdoors. The materials cfiosen for these structures have varied over time depending on availability and cost, as well as the purpose of the barrier. Whilst the earliest walls were made of stone, bricks have been used for many centuries. As long ago as the Middle Ages, walls were built from irregular, handmade bricks. Rustic lumber fencing and hedges have been used for thousands of years. Nowadays expense is a primary consideration, but the design, size, and style of your garden, as well as the type of barrier you prefer, are all vital factors. Furthermore, the architecture of your house should also be considered, especially if you are planning a solid structure. The method of construction is another very important consideration. If you plan to build or erect your own wall or fence, it is important to have (or to learn) the necessary skills. Some materials are more difficult to work with than others, but most structures can be tackled successfully by the competent handyman. Alternatively, if you feel you cannot lay your own bricks or erect the fencing of your choice, or do not have the time to do so, you can always employ someone to do the work for you. And whether you plan to do-it-yourself or to use the services of professionals, this book will be an Invaluable guide, offering good ideas and advice, from the design and planning stages hght through to the construction phase. The first part of the book will help you choose the best type of wall or fencing for your particular needs. It illustrates a range of effective finishes and recommends a wide variety of suitable materials for every building method. There are also many imaginative suggestions for combining materials and incorporating distinctive features to transform an ordinary design Into something special. 6 BUILD YOUR OWN WALLS AND FENCES