Fences are often necessary to identify boundaries, create privacy, keep pets from wandering or simply to add to the ambiance of a space.

Custom fence fabricators such as Cedar Coast Fence will construct each fence panel to the designer’s specifications. Details such as the fence height, post dimensions and even stain are predetermined.

There is a vast array of materials that can be used for a custom fence, including cedar, bamboo, acrylic and glass. Below are just a few examples to spark your imagination for your own custom fence.  I love fences covered with vines such as grapevines or evergreen clematis, and this is a way to make it your own.

The first step is to identify the intended purpose of the fence.  Then draw on materials and colours that inspire you and fit into the existing environment, keeping in-mind the scale of the surrounding architecture.  Large, historical homes lend themselves to a solid fence, such as this one, where I used 6″x6″s for the posts.  Even the panels, lattice and gate are chunky, stained to complement the home’s wood trim features.

Links:
Cedar Coast Fence (http://www.cedarcoastfence.ca)
Coolite Bamboo (http://www.coolitebamboo.com)

A well-designed entryway landscape not only enhances a home’s public face, but also allows the owner an opportunity to make a first impression.

The paving pattern of this cozy courtyard garden fits comfortably around the mature Japanese Maple.  The pattern of 12″ x 12″ pavers is infilled with ground covers including Elfin thyme and Corsican mint.

The focal point of this small entry garden is a grouping of a statue, pot of bamboo and a basalt column, surrounded by polished pebbles.

The existing picket fence was updated to lattice, and framed with ornamental grasses which add to the Zen-like quality of this space.

The Penthouse of this luxury Downtown Vancouver residential tower has four separate gardens.

Upon entry to the condominium, a small balcony has been turned into a virtual oasis with a green wall, basalt burbler fountain and ornamental grasses.

Linear plantings of Mexican Feather Grass and New Zealand Flax wrap around the main living space of the condominium.

The roofdeck garden features an outdoor kitchen, Hinoki Cypress hot tub and grove of Black Bamboo, creating the ultimate outdoor room overlooking Vancouver’s False Creek and English Bay, with views of Vancouver Island on the hoizon.

“Michael is a gem. We originally hired him in 2006 to do the landscaping for a rooftop penthouse. We have been working with him ever since. Having worked on many construction projects over the past 15 years with many different vendors I can honestly say I wish there more people like Michael to work with. He has become a trusted friend, he is lots of FUN, he get the job done, and he follows up. What a pleasure!”

– Allison Stern