I wondered whether a black paint/stain might give the plants more prominence or would it be a bit oppressive? The photo shows the garden in April last year before most of the perennials and grasses had emerged.
I'd say not, it will just make the fence and shed disappear into the background more. Good choice. You could consider a multi-stem Betula against the fence to highlight it's white bark.
"What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour".
In response to @Fire's thread for feedback, I found all the advice I received here very reassuring, thank you everyone! I got to work with a few litres of black fence stain in March this year and am very pleased with the result. See what you think:
I think that looks terrific Plantminded. My shed and fence are painted dark oak but I'd love that colour grey. Don't know if it would cover properly though
No doubt he did. I think of his as quite late on - Art Nouveau / known for 1920s designs. What I say above is my vague impression of my own taste. I'm not suggesting it makes a vast amount of sense.
Your inherited black shed does look very smart though @Fire. I can understand you wanting to respect your home's Arts and Crafts style though which I have also admired from your photos! I just hate seeing a fence and wanted mine to be less obvious while the plants in the borders mature and expand. One downside of a black fence though, you can see where the birds like to perch............!
Thank you @Uff. You could try a tester/paint sample on your shed or fence to see if it takes. Don't rush out now though, I'd save that for next year! Whilst on the subject of follow ups, I was wondering how your two Portuguese laurels near your sitting area are doing in response to your topiary skills!
I thought of you and Fire the other day when I stood looking at the Portuguese laurels and thought how fine and healthy they look and that I must get around to giving them a hair cut. I'll do a before and after pic and hope to get back to showing you them tomorrow.
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So to put black wood work and polished black metal in it felt odd and off.
I thought of you and Fire the other day when I stood looking at the Portuguese laurels and thought how fine and healthy they look and that I must get around to giving them a hair cut. I'll do a before and after pic and hope to get back to showing you them tomorrow.