Behold the natural cedar fence that replaced the UGLY chain-link fence covered with English ivy. It's hard to believe it was only 4 years ago that I thought this was a fine place for ivy. Ha!
Sure looks different! Also, neighbors can see the garden through the slats, a bit. And even though I may need to repaint/retreat the wood five-10 years down the road, it'll be far less work than the constant hacking back of that English ivy, which was taking over the sidewalk on one side and the garden on the other, requiring my near-constant attention. Sure, it's evergreen but damn, it's English ivy.
Here's what it looked like for over 20 years.
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{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
I was SO eager to see the difference, and I'm reminded yet again of how it's important to move beyond mere aesthetics.
The ivy and arch were GORGEOUS. They anchored the site and gave an air of timelessness/been-there-forever. And only upon reading the rationale could I appreciate the rawness of the new fence. YES, you CAN see the rest of the garden now; yes, a fresh new fence must feel like rebirth. YES…gardens must evolve and change. Congratulations on a new era to in the garden. Very sweet and fresh fence.
Wow Susan, if I don't have fence envy now nobody does! The new fence has to be like letting a thousand suns into the yard. If I ever put the vegetable garden in the front yard, I am totally stealing your this.
English Ivy is not so bad as long as it remains imprisoned. I have a sprig of a miniature variety I rooted in a juice cup on my desk at work, and that's where it belongs.
The problem is the neighbor's yard and the birds never got that particular memo, and so the ivy is encroaching… where's my Roundup?
Susan, I like it both ways! But I'm sure you were ready for a change and it's an attractive change. I love the style of the fence.
I liked the ivy!
I have to admit, the ivy looks charming, especially with the arched entryway… but I realize I'm not the one having to hack it back constantly! I do understand why you'd want the ivy gone. How did you get rid of it? It would have taken a lot of pulling…
I think it looks great…good riddance ivy!
lovely blog
The new fence is a big improvement. I like the way the miscanthus softens the fence and the open pickets will keep the neighbors happy since they'll still be able to enjoy your garden as they stroll by.
Ivy and "bishops" weed once took over an entire portion of my Baltimore garden. It took YEARS to get rid of the stuff without chemicals. I only like ivy in houseplant containers and window boxes.
I have to say I do like ivy but it does look best on an old brick or stone wall or climbing up a thick oak trunk.
Interesting change from chain link with ivy to cedar which is lovely. We struggle with the ivy left here in my apartment's garden so deeply grown into the trunk of a tree it is not possible to remove completely without cutting down and digging out the tree. Congratulations on removing yours. I have seen woods where nothing but English ivy grows on the floor of the forest. It is a tragic mistake to plant ivy for all the native plants we need to sustain our natural environment.
It looks very neat and contemporary and much more inviting to those who wish to glance into the garden. Are you missing any privacy? I think sharing the garden would be a fair trade!
Your "new look" is GREAT!
English Ivy should be used only when you hate your neighbors and want to inflict something bad upon them:)
Hello Susan,
Your new fence looks neat (as in tidy), and you probably don't want to hear this, but I love the Ivy fence. But (to use your words) damn, I'm English.
I'm not so keen on the hoop by the gate, but will immediately make one of those romantic ivy-covered ones, to save on hedge-trimming time.
We are all different, aren't we? And learn from each other. What doesn't appeal in California, might look excellent in the UK.
Susan, I like the new fence! The clean lines and open slats have a much more inviting feel than the old ivy arch and fence.
Susan, I like the new fence a lot. With its clean lines and open slats, it has a much more inviting feel than the old ivy covered arch and fence. That it's also lower maintenance is icing on the cake!
I am such a sucker for arches that I love that look with the ivy. Having said that I must admit I love the new fence as much or more. It's a wonderful look and I am all for purging the garden of repetitive chores that are not enjoyable. It certainly has a welcoming feel!
susan, did you design the fence yourself or did someone else do it for you? i like how simple it is, and that is isn't visually impermeable.
Andrea, it was designed by the friend who built the fence for me. I wanted a flat top – none of those picket spikes.