Transform dull fences into a 'lush and leafy' outdoor space using easy trick
All green-fingered folk know that dull fences and bland walls can tarnish an otherwise vibrant outdoor space, but one garden expert claims this doesn’t have to be the case.
This comes as two-thirds of Brits living in cities wish there was more greenery around where they lived, while 78 percent admit it would improve their wellbeing, a recent study has found. The poll, commissioned by Biotecture, found that 57 percent would be happy to see more vertical greenery in their city, such as living walls.
Fortunately, gardening guru Chris Lucas has shared his top tips for transforming your drab dividers into a "lush and leafy" green hedge. The earthy boundaries are commonly used to separate space in the garden, soften boundaries and hide unattractive fences and walls.
Taking to TikTok, under the username @hellohelloplants, he said: "If you’re surrounded by bricks, masonry, and walls, here’s two great plants that cover them up and turn them green." He then pointed out the healthy hedge behind him, which is called Ficus Pumila, an evergreen self-clinging climber.
According to The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the plant can grow up to four metres tall and boasts rich green leaves that span up to 5cm. Chris said: "It’s fast growing, easy to grow, and ultra narrow. It also doesn’t need any wires, trimming, or training. It just grows up the wall and sticks to the wall very strongly."
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Also known as the Creeping Fig, it grows in humus-rich moist but well-drained soil and is planted in full or partial shade, explains the RHS. The plant presents elegant green foliage throughout the year, but is accompanied by flowers in the summer and fruit during the Autumn.
Another plant that can give your fence a facelift is the Boston Ivy hedge, reported Chris. He continued: "It’s one of my favourite plants and the reason why I love it is because you can take the ugliest wall or shed in the world, and turn it lush and leafy green. Look at this, it’s absolutely beautiful and a fabulous red colour."
Otherwise known as Parthenocissus tricuspidata Veitchii, the striking plant has three-lobed leaves and can grow to a height of approximately 12 metres and a width of eight metres, reports the RHS. "It covers anything, it will climb up the wall and you don’t need any trellis or anything special," explained the expert.
He added: "It will just cover the whole area and it will cover in shade or in sun and give you this beautiful lush finish. It really is the way to cover up your masonry." The RHS states that it thrives in any fertile, well-drained soil and should be placed in partial or full shade.
The video has racked up more than 3,100 likes and impressed followers rushed to the comments to share their thoughts, as one user gushed: "Thanks for this, we’re looking to cover up our colorbond back fence, love the ivy." A second penned: "Exactly what I need," while a third added: "Stunning."
Another quizzed: "Does the Ficus Pumila ruin the brickwork?" To which Chris responded with: "Generally it does not but if there are any cracks or structural issues with the brick, it will get into them and cause damage."
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