Most fences are not only ugly but almost an eyesore. Not to speak about their ridiculously high prices. Even if you are living in an area with frequent deer "visits" you might not need a fence. There are three lovely shrubs - with three different leaf colors that are inexpensive, attractive and deterrents to unwanted human or animal visitors. My suggestion is to plant alternating Rosa Rugosa, Barberry, and Seabuckthorn.
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Rosa Rugosa:
Also called Beach Rose, it is best grown in moist, slightly acidic, well-drained garden loam in full sun to part shade. But this rose is very hardy, prickly, and also very adaptable to somewhat poor soils, including sandy, clay or gravelly ones. I once planted the Rosa Rugosa into the extremely poor soil, almost all clay, but it thrived wonderfully for many years - and it still does - as I can see when driving by my former garden.
They can be propagated through the rose hips, just plug them from the main plant and lay the hips half an inch deep into the soil where you want it to grow. It might take two years until the first booms show. But hey! You got this new plant for free.
Best flowering and disease resistance generally occur in full sun.
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Berberis - Barberry
Barberry was introduced from Japan around 1875. It is commonly planted for ornamental reasons as well as against wildlife and erosion. Berberis, commonly known as barberry, is a large genus of deciduous and evergreen shrubs. They are appreciated for their bright, colorful foliage and graceful arching stems. The most beautiful color shows the variety “Rose Glow”. It has a stunning dark pink appearance. This attractive, but thorny bush keeps everything and anyone from your property.
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Seabuckthorn
The flowers are tiny, the Seabuck"thorns" (hence the name) are a very good deterrent for any invaders, human or otherwise. Seabuckthorn hedges, especially in fall and winter, are most showy with big clusters of orange berries. I just like it as a beautiful fence, for an occasional winter snack, and as a treat for birds.
Read more about the fantastic health benefits which these berries provide:
http://garden-dream.blogspot.ca/2010/04/i-get-lot-of-compliments-for-my.html
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Whatever you do with any of these "plant fences" - such as planting or pruning - use very sturdy gloves, they are not forgiving! However, their sturdiness and easy or "no-maintenance" are great values on the outskirts of your garden. And as a bonus, you will get so much attractive color in the garden - almost year-round.
Happy Gardening!
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