A flaking fence can be a real eyesore, so picking up a paintbrush, sponge, or roller is a brilliant way to freshen up your garden, particularly during the summer months. While most homeowners tend to favour lighter, brighter shades for their garden fencing, one expert is urging people to consider going darker. Angela Slater from Hayes Garden World said: “Generally, a fence painted in dark colours makes an average-sized garden appear larger as it shifts the eye from the fence to the plants.
“If you have a lot of plants packed into your garden space, you can get away with black or dark graphite. This will provide a foil to the colours of your plants and make any light-coloured flowers stand out, giving the illusion of depth to your plants.”
If your borders are filled with lush green foliage, painting your fence in deep olive or navy tones could make your outdoor space feel considerably more spacious.
However, for those with a compact courtyard garden, the gardening specialist suggested going for pastel shades such as blues, soft greens and pinks instead.
Angela added: “Painting your courtyard in dark colours can make it look oppressive.
“However, if you are trying to achieve a jungle look in the space, then an olive or graphite colour would give the illusion of depth and make tropical flowers stand out,” reports the Express.
View 2 ImagesA dark colour can also help to make the garden appear larger(Image: Getty)
For those with a themed garden, such as a Mexican-inspired space, choosing bold, vibrant tones like oranges or yellows can help to enhance and reinforce the overall look.
Mediterranean-inspired gardens work best with plenty of yellows and blues, which can be introduced through cushions, plant pots or even the plants themselves.
Angela continued: “An outdoor mirror placed at the end of a path or at the end of the garden can also make your garden appear as if there is another part to be explored.
“Better still, place an arbour covered with climbers around the mirror to further the illusion of a portal into another spacious garden.”
If you’re planning to paint your fence this summer, ensure you have the right equipment, such as a paintbrush, sponge, or roller.
Article continues below
Check the weather forecast to ensure it’s dry and won’t damage the fence, and remember to inform your neighbours that you’ll be painting on your side.
Painting a garden shed is also a great, affordable way to spruce up the garden in summer.