Name: Heather & Josh
Location: Chicago, IL
Type of space: Back yard patio and fence
Tell us about your outdoor project and how you enjoy it: When we first moved into our house, the back yard patio was mostly overgrown with shrubs and bushes. After removing them last fall, we found new ways to use all the "new" space just unveiled. By adding a birch tree, hostas, rabbit's ear and other plants separated from my mom's garden, and making a brand new fence, this space is beyond enjoyed -- both usable and lovely to view.
How did you create it?: My husband, Josh, wanted to create a gabion style wall as our fence (there had previously been a low chain link fence with large shrubs in front). He got 6' tall steel posts, stabilized them in the ground with concrete, and then welded two layers of wire mesh with enough room in between (and at the top) for filling with river rock. Josh made the door from old wood paneling that we ripped out of our home. We later used the left over rocks to edge our small garden.
Recommended store, site, product or resource? Talk to neighbors and friends! Our sun sail came from a friend in landscaping who had a stockpile of extras; the welded wire mesh was offered to us from a neighbor who saw our project (she had extra left over from shop displays at work). Josh had initially used a lighter, flimsier wire mesh, but when this material was offered, he happily started over. We had the river rocks delivered from Des Plaines Landscape Supply.
Fabulous fence, I love it. Great job.
view bagelpower's profile
Love your fence!!!
view luxbath's profile
I love how the fence looks! How creative.
view TrueTex's profile
at first glance I thought this cost big $$. the fact it is from reused materials makes it amazing.
view ec05's profile
Yeah, the fence is fantastic. I've never seen anything like that. It's way more visually interesting than the usual brown wood planks, and I like how it gives you privacy but light still peeps through the rocks.
view jyw's profile
That fence is incredible!
view angelalds's profile
I can wait for moss to start growing on those rocks.
view kevoncubine's profile
Wow, excellent job. It looks very professional and like it was BIG MONEY. Creative too!
view dmh's profile
Another fan of your fence, here. Come do my yard any time!! ;^)
view SherryBinNH's profile
I want that fence for my yard!
view pinklovesbrown's profile
That's a great looking fence. It reminds me of this piece of art:
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1029/1398698094_8469da40a9.jpg?v=0
view aaakid's profile
I assume "hastas" = hostas.
view JG's profile
I usually hate gabion walls, but I like this one. I think it's because it's framed, making it look more finished than an ordinary gabion wall, and because it's thin, allowing light and glimpses of the landscape beyond to peek through, and making it appear less monolithic.
view Blandwagon's profile
Oh, yeah.. I just clicked the link to look at the other gabion wall post. I like this one so much better. I think the round rocks and your choice of wire makes all the difference.
view jyw's profile