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Bare Bones - Part III - Walls: Masonry Walls and Fences

© Marge Talt

Now that you've figured out what kind of a garden you want, what you want it to contain, and how you plan to get around in it, it's time to think about the visual guides that will form the backbone of your garden.

Whether you think in terms of structures or plants, any solid or semi-solid line, straight or curved, can be considered a 'wall'.

So, why would you want a wall? You may want to develop a feeling of privacy; you may need to screen a view. You may be intrigued with the idea of garden rooms, which can make even a small garden seem larger and more interesting. I know the general trend in the US is toward basically undefined property lines. I'm not sure just why this is so. But it means that you share your life with that of your immediate neighbors, whether you like them or not.

To me, a garden is a private place and one of the ways to make it private is to surround it with a wall. This can be a permanent masonry wall - if you have the money and your zoning allows it; a fence - not quite as permanent, but easier on the pocketbook; or it can be a wall of living plants. It can also be a combination of any of the foregoing.

Whatever your reasons, a physical barrier along the property line is usually the first type of 'wall' considered. There are other instances when 'walls' are useful in the garden. Walls can define the garden's inner spaces, help to lead from one area to another and from one level to another. Retaining walls are probably the most common kind of walls in US gardens. Changes in grade, whether natural or contrived, help to add interest to a garden. A totally flat garden can be rather boring.

Walls don't have to be tall. Even walls of only 12" to 18" can create a strong visual line.

Masonry walls (dry stone work) can also provide planting space for plants that require good drainage. If you intend to 'plant the wall', it's best, if at all possible, to plant as you build. A double wall with rubble and soil in the middle will give your plants the best root run in a freestanding wall. If your wall is a retaining wall, remember to batter it back into the grade to help keep it stable. For that matter, any dry wall over 18" high needs to be battered. A number of plants are very happy in a wall; even shade lovers. If there is sufficient moisture, ferns work quite well. I've even had Ajuga seed itself into a wall.

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