My neighbor once stacked leftover bricks around her vegetable patch to keep rabbits out—just a quick fix, nothing fancy. After a while, the bricks weathered nicely, and people started complimenting her on the "rustic charm" of her garden walls. It was amusing because she genuinely disliked them at first. Makes me wonder how often our best design choices are actually just happy accidents. Has anyone tried something similar with repurposed materials?
Totally relate to this! I once used old wooden pallets as a temporary fence to keep my dog from trampling the tomatoes. Thought it looked awful at first, but after some vines grew over them, friends started calling it "charmingly rustic"... go figure.
I get the rustic charm angle, but pallets aren't always ideal—especially if you're dealing with a historic property. They can attract pests or rot quickly, and untreated wood isn't great long-term. I ended up using woven willow hurdles instead. Still has that natural vibe, but they're sturdier and blend nicely with older architecture. Bit pricier than free pallets, sure... but worth it if aesthetics and longevity matter to you.
Totally agree with you on the willow hurdles—they're such a lovely alternative. I used them for a client's cottage garden last summer, and honestly, they looked amazing right from day one. Plus, they age beautifully, turning a soft silvery grey that blends naturally with older stonework and brick. Pallets can definitely be hit or miss... I had a friend who built a pallet fence, and within a year or so, it started looking pretty rough and attracting carpenter ants—not ideal.
Another option I've found works nicely is hazel hurdles. They're similar to willow but have a slightly chunkier weave, which can be great if you've got a larger dog or just want something a bit sturdier. They weather nicely too, and I've found they hold up surprisingly well through harsh winters. A bit pricier again, but if you're after something that looks authentic and lasts, they're worth considering.
"Another option I've found works nicely is hazel hurdles. They're similar to willow but have a slightly chunkier weave..."
Hazel hurdles do look lovely, but honestly, I've found they can be a bit too chunky visually for smaller gardens. If you're tight on space or want something lighter, bamboo screening might be worth a shot. It's affordable, easy to install (just roll it out and secure), and gives a nice airy feel without overwhelming the space. Plus, it holds up surprisingly well outdoors... just my two cents!
