Garden Design Tips 2 - Paint it Black

Anyone who has read my blog before will almost certainly be aware of my fondness for painting wooden structures in the garden black. Clients get a bit nervous when I tell them I want to paint fences black. They are afraid a black boundary will make the garden seem smaller in the same way that painting internal walls a dark colour makes a room feel boxy. It doesn’t work the same way outside.

Black is a wonderful colour for garden structures. It is the colour of shadow and diminishes the impact of potentially unattractive structures such as fences and sheds. Once the planting has started growing in around them black-painted structures simply blend into the background. Black also makes a fantastic backdrop for plants. The gold leaves of Choisya ternata 'Sundance', the bright red new foliage of Photinia ‘Red Robin’, a swathe of burnt orange Hemerocallis, drifts of pale pink Phlox are all more dramatic set against a black fence. A coat of black paint on a tired fence or an old shed can really transform a garden with very little outlay.


A black summer house blends into
the shadows of the trees and hedge.

I’ve heard the argument that green is the best colour for painting garden structures because it is a natural colour. Firstly, there is nothing remotely natural about the horrid green dyes that manufacturers use to colour wood preservatives. Secondly, why would you want to place plants against a flat, green canvas? It just looks bland as the outline forms of the plants are lost. Don’t even get me started on that rancid bright orange colour that is so widely used for fences. Just one word – why?!!


This black fence in a small garden
helps the boundary to disappear
making the garden seem larger and
displaying the standard Photinia
'Red Robin' to great effect.

Cuprinol Timbercare comes in black, but you’ll need to go to a Dulux Centre or buy it on-line as I’ve never found black in any of the DIY stores near me. However, I’d recommend the more expensive Cuprinol Garden Shades which gives a slightly glossy finish and lasts years. Look on-line for bargains, eBay is always a good start.


Black fences and a black pergola in
this contemporary garden scheme
give a crisp finish and blend the
garden into the wider landscape.

If you need help designing your garden please feel free to email me linsey@linseysgardens.com. You can visit my Web site and see some of my completed projects and get a bit more information.