Asian-inspired details are going to be added at this point. The trick is to avoid adding anything higher than the main fence; otherwise it would interfere with the design created for the next-door neighbors.
To cap this side of the drop fence, Jessie has chosen a timber whose ends have been shaped to resemble a traditional pagoda roof (figure A). (In China and Japan the pagoda is one of the most characteristic architectural styles, usually seen in sacred places.) To secure it in place, a metal angle bracket has been added (figure B) to each end; the other arm of the bracket will be secured to the fencepost (figure C).
Jessie and one of her assistants stain the fence with a dark color (figure D). When it comes to wood stain, the darker the color, the longer the stain will last. Be sure to test a small area first to be sure you're satisfied with the color you've chosen (figure E). The best time to apply stain is in the morning or in the late afternoon; a good rule of thumb is, if the wood's too hot to touch, it's too hot to stain.
Next, taking her inspiration from the flag of Japan, Jessie draws a large circle on a sheet of plywood, cuts it out with a jigsaw (figure F) and paints it a bright red (be sure to paint the sides too). Many home-improvement stores will cut the circle out for you if you ask.Note: The Japanese flag is called the Hinomaru, which means "circle of the sun." The red color represents sincerity and passion. After the paint has dried completely, Jessie attaches the circle to the fence with screws and touches up the screws with red paint. Expert tip: (Steve Gerischer, landscape designer) The drop fence in this landscape not only hides the gate, it breaks up a long fence line that might otherwise be boring, and it creates a great backdrop for this rising-sun pattern (figure G).
Time spent: 11 hours.
RESOURCES :
Ace Hardware Supplies
To locate the nearest Ace Hardware to your home, click here.
Ace Hardware
2200 Kensington Ct.
Oak Brook, IL 60523-2100
Toll-free: 866-290-5334
Website: www.acehardware.com
California Redwood Association
Website: www.calredwood.org
Asian Ceramics
Website: www.asian-ceramics.com
Asian Ceramics Inc.
Website: www.asian-ceramics.com
Plants from Monrovia Horticultural Craftsmen
Monrovia Horticultural Craftsmen
Website: www.monrovia.com
DeWalt power tools
DeWalt
Website: www.dewalt.com/us/core/
Soil amendments by Kellogg Garden Products
Kellogg Garden Products
Website: www.kellogggarden.com
Landscaping Services by D&J Landscaping
D & J Landscaping
E-mail: DJLandscaping@sbcglobal.net
Catalin elm bonsai
San Gabriel Nursery & Florist
Website: www.sgnursery.com
Mexican river rock, pea gravel & sand
Sunburst Decorative Rock
Website: www.newsite.com
GUESTS :
Steve Gerischer
Landscape designer
E-mail: sglarkspur@aol.com
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