Modern wrought-iron fences are actually steel.
Homeowners with an eye for architectural detail install iron fences for both style and security, and a well-loved home surrounded with an iron fence reflects elegance with a hint of Victorian old-world charm. This fence design doesn't lack in attention-catching style, but its open structure does lack privacy. You don't need to feel uncomfortable in your own backyard, however. Create privacy without sacrificing style with landscaping, fabric screening or both. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Determine if fabric screening or a living fence of dense plants is suited to your home's landscape. If necessary, check with your neighborhood homeowners association or your city's zoning department for restrictions on fencing materials.
2. Roll out a screening panel in front of the fence beginning at the leftmost fence post. Continue rolling out the remaining panels in front of their respective fence sections.
3. Lift the first panel against the fence and thread a cable tie through the top left grommet. Secure the panel to the top leftmost corner of the iron fence's horizontal crossbar. Move to the next grommet along the panel's top edge and, like the first grommet, secure the panel with a cable tie. Keep the panel taut as you secure the remainder of the top edge. Do not trim the excess cable tie.
4. Move down the panel's right edge, securing the grommets as you go. Return to the original starting point and secure the panel's left edge, working from the top to the bottom. Finally, secure the bottom edge. Tighten any loose cable ties until the panel hangs evenly. Use scissors or shears to remove the cable ties' extra length.
5. Plant a living screen if fabric panels are not an option. Choose narrow evergreen hedges that have a dense growth habit and take shearing well, such as wax myrtle (Morella cerifera), yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria) or a small hybrid holly (Ilex aquipernyi).
6. A holly's glossy leaves provide contrast against an iron fence's matte finish.
Plant the young shrubs along the fence line, spacing them in accordance with their growth habit. For example, space small hollies 1 1/2 to 2 feet apart.
Tags: cable ties, fabric screening, growth habit, holly Ilex, iron fence
