Fencing often provides the best solution where an instant physical boundary is needed. They are available in a wide range of styles and heights and are usually relatively inexpensive and easy to install.

The style and material can be used to set or emphasise the tone of the garden. For example, white picket fencing is pretty around a cottage garden; woven, wattle hurdles are attractive in an informal, rural setting; whilst wrought iron railings are in keeping with the formality of an elegant town garden.

Fences that are purely practical, rather than to provide an aesthetic element to the garden are often better covered with scrambling or climbing plants.

For more information on fencing, including installing, maintaining and renovating, take a look at our articles on fences within our garden features section.