Here is a beautiful example of a wattle fence:
A beautiful Wattle Fence – My Inspiration!
Last spring I started a gardening fence to keep my dogs (plus those who wander through the yard) out of the garden beds. I wanted something unique and came up with a plan to use the trimmings from my muscadine vines and the pruned limbs of the crepe myrtle trees. The advantage, first of all, is that both were easily available.
My First Attempt at a Wattle Fence
I cut my crepe myrtle limbs to a length 1 foot longer than the desired height of my finished fence. I pounded the cut limbs into the ground, spacing them about 1 foot apart feet apart. So far, we are okay. I did that part right.
Once the limbs were in position, I placed the vines from the muscadines in sections of 3. Got that part right, too.
Beginning at the first post and holding the section tightly in my hand, I began to weave the vine in and out through one crepe myrtle post to the other. Once one row was finished, I started again, repeating the process, alternating the vines around the crepe myrtle post. (each row is woven on the opposite side of the post than the one below and above it). This is where my fence began to fall apart. I will determine the problem and get back to you on that!
As you weave a section through each post, be sure to press down to create a tight fit. I didn’t do that as you can see.
This is a work in progress and a total disaster for my first attempt. As I added each new section, it started to take some type of shape. Not sure what shape it is, but it certainly is not what I want it to be. I will learn. I will do it right. And when I do, I will upload pictures so you can see the process as it is being constructed. The finished product will be correct, whatever the definition of “correct” is at that point. I can promise you this – it will be unique!
Now, if you want to see what it should look like, then follow this link to learn about using willow limbs to make a fence. Absolutely beautiful! http://www.peterdibble.co.uk/. I love his work! Such inspiration!
And another photo of a rural woven fence for inspiration
And one more link for inspiration! Check out Inspiration Green which gives you a number of ideas for using woven fences in your landscaping and gardening plans! There is even a video demonstration included on their page!
Perhaps next summer, after the spring pruning of the crepe myrtle trees, I will finish my fence! When I do, I will add pictures of the finished fence to this page. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE (use the sidebar form) so you don’t miss the rest of the story!
I hope you enjoyed this post with the additional pictures and videos from the experts! This is real life, the real me, making real mistakes while attempting to do something that will be beautiful! The goal is to finish this fence with perseverance coupled with trial and error, then have something that perhaps will be a topic of conversation for years to come.
Leave me a comment when you read this. Let me know that you are laughing and learning with me through this process!