My Journey Into Natural Fence Building
I’ve always believed that boundaries don’t have to be barriers. My journey into natural fence building began over a decade ago when I purchased my first home—a modest cottage with an exposed yard that desperately needed definition without sacrificing the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
What started as a weekend project to plant a simple hedgerow quickly blossomed into a passion. I discovered the remarkable intersection of functionality, ecology, and artistry that natural fences provide. Unlike their manufactured counterparts, living fences grow stronger with time, support local wildlife, and become more beautiful with each passing season.
Why I Created This Site
After years of experimentation, research, and countless conversations with gardeners, permaculture experts, and traditional fence builders across the country, I realized there was a gap in accessible information about natural fence building techniques. While ancient cultures have been creating living boundaries for millennia, much of this knowledge was scattered or being lost.
This site is my contribution to preserving and expanding that knowledge. Here, I share everything I’ve learned about constructing fences that work with nature rather than against it—from selecting the right species for your climate to maintenance techniques that ensure your living fence thrives for generations.
My Approach to Natural Fence Building
I believe in practical solutions that honor these core principles:
- Ecological Integration: Every fence should contribute positively to its environment, creating habitat rather than disrupting it.
- Regional Appropriateness: What works in a humid coastal region won’t necessarily thrive in an arid landscape. I emphasize species and techniques matched to your specific conditions.
- Accessibility: Natural fence building shouldn’t require specialized tools or extensive gardening knowledge. I focus on approaches that anyone can implement with basic skills and resources.
- Long-Term Thinking: The best natural fences improve with age. I design with decades, not seasons, in mind.
My Background
My professional background spans landscape design, permaculture, and traditional craftsmanship. I’ve completed certification in permaculture design and have studied traditional hedgelaying techniques in Europe. Beyond formal education, my most valuable learning has come from hands-on experience—building over 30 different styles of natural fences across varied ecosystems.
When I’m not planting, weaving, or pruning, you’ll find me documenting traditional fencing techniques from around the world or experimenting with new hybridized approaches in my demonstration garden.
Let’s Connect
Whether you’re looking to create your first living fence, seeking solutions for a challenging property boundary, or simply share my fascination with these beautiful, functional elements of landscape design, I welcome your questions and contributions.
This site is as much yours as it is mine—a growing resource for anyone who believes that the best boundaries enhance rather than divide.
