2019-08-01_Country_Homes_&_Interiors.

■Before putting up a Boundary wall,

you are legally obliged to consult your neighbours,

although this law does not apply to fencing. If your

house borders a listed building, any changes to

your boundary may also require planning permission.

■ensure Boundary walls and fences are

no higher than the 2m legal limit. Hedges

and trees may be taller, as long as they are maintained

and don’t cast too much shade on neighbouring

homes. In areas with open-plan front gardens, there

is often a restriction on fences or hedges and planning

permission must usually be sought – see hedgeline.org.

■the two most common Boundaries are

walls and fences. The general rule is if the ‘good’

side of the fence faces into your neighbour’s garden

(that is, the struts or posts are on your side), it’s up to

you to maintain it. Check the deeds of your house.

■while hedges do make for an effective

garden Boundary, they can take up space, so

may not suit smaller gardens. Consider the style of

your garden; this will impact your choice between

wild and rustic or a more formal, clipped design.

■if your garden is overlooked, create both

privacy from overhead windows and shade with a

pergola, awning or the canopy of an oversized tree.

As a tree matures, prune away lower branches to well

above head height to create a raised umbrella effect.

garden

boundaries

Bradstone Old

Town edging

in Grey Green,

from £12.81m,

Simply Paving

elegant edging

Garden edging is a neat way to define a

space, separating flowers and plants from

grass. Popular choices include brick and

concrete, while creative options range from

logs and shells to recycled roof tiles. This

round-top stone edging has a weathered

effect, perfect in a country garden.

Salvadore

indoor/outdoor

stripe rug, from

£14.99, Carpetright

Our expert says...

❝

InvITe exPlorATIon,

eITHer vIA obvIous

PATHwAys or

THrouGH GAPs In Any

boundArIes, suCH As

‘wIndows’ In HedGes

or PorTHoles In

wooden sCreens

❞

Need to know...

tara King, content style editor

garden elements