Enduring Design: The Picket Fence
Wrap the Whole Yard or Just Add a Touch of This Classic Symbol of Home
After writing about garden gates last week, I thought it would be fun to follow up with fences. An ideabook on everyday fences seemed too simple, so I'm going with an icon many of us grew up with: picket fences.
Dating back to America's earliest colonial era, picket fences were once used with the sole purpose of outlining domestic borders. But feelings of nostalgia run deep among adults young and old, and the beloved picket fence has managed to stick around over the years, adding their classic appeal to homes and gardens across America.
Dating back to America's earliest colonial era, picket fences were once used with the sole purpose of outlining domestic borders. But feelings of nostalgia run deep among adults young and old, and the beloved picket fence has managed to stick around over the years, adding their classic appeal to homes and gardens across America.
White, associated with purity, cleanliness and comfort, is the traditional color for a picket fence around the family home.
Defining classic suburbia (and disregarding any negative connotations that may come along with that term) picket fences are still seen as a symbol of the American dream. This scene is a perfect example of that ideal, with a large front yard, a sidewalk leading to a covered porch, and a couple Adirondack chairs — all protected by a white picket fence.
If you already have a fence, picket or not, give it an update by painting it a color that will bring out the surrounding flowers.
This cottage-style home is the perfect environment for a picket fence; both are quaint and charming. Judging by the size of the plants next to it, this fence looks like it's been here awhile.
Probably being one of the grander versions of a picket fence I've seen to date, this tall row of slats fits the scale of the home behind it. This is a nice break from the privacy fences typical of a structure this height.
Tip: Think about the size of your home if you are considering a picket fence. Can you get away with something as majestic as this one?
Tip: Think about the size of your home if you are considering a picket fence. Can you get away with something as majestic as this one?
Not just for colonial or cottage homes, this weathered picket fence makes itself at home in the densely wooded front yard of a more contemporary house. I like that the owners have left the wood untreated, allowing it to effortlessly fit in with its natural surroundings.
In this photo of the same house featured in the previous photo, you can see that the fence spans the entire yard, creating the perfect border for a collection of plants inside.
Tip: Use your fence to create an ideal backdrop for plants and shrubs.
Tip: Use your fence to create an ideal backdrop for plants and shrubs.
Although the term "picket" refers to something that comes to a point, I think that this particular fence provides the same feeling as a picket fence, even though the tips are more blunt. Its long rows of vertical strips give it a similar vibe.
These plants practically dwarf the fence behind it, creating a layered feel that's been in the making for a few years.
Tip: If you don't want a fence surrounding your entire house, consider adding a small section to the middle of an already established garden.
Did you have a picket fence as a kid? Do you have one now? Post your photos below!
More: 12 Inspiring Garden Gates
Tip: If you don't want a fence surrounding your entire house, consider adding a small section to the middle of an already established garden.
Did you have a picket fence as a kid? Do you have one now? Post your photos below!
More: 12 Inspiring Garden Gates