Picket fences

They are something I have always been fascinated by for the timeless associations and memories they evoke. Picket fences, I have discovered on my walks in the historic district of Charleston, enclose many tree-filled yards, gardens and houses, the white ones standing out particularly. They aren’t very high, they aren’t obtrusive, and they certainly not ugly like most metal and quaid fences. In fact, they are often beautifully designed and delight the eye as I pass with my camera.

I think they appeal to me so much partly because they are always associated with old houses, in my mind, never new or modern houses. Within the yards they enclose in old Charleston there may be swing sets or a swing hanging from a tree, picnic tables, children’s bikes and toys, gardening tools or beds of flowers or shrubs, as one finds so often in the gardens hereabout: crepe myrtle, azaleas, hydrangea and roses. I especially like one house, not that old, maybe 1940s or so, that has what appears to be an antique variety of rose climbing the wooden slats. Lovely.

There’s something about picket fences that’s peaceful and comforting. Like front porches, they remind me of a bygone era when life was simpler and fences were more for decoration and ornament than as barriers to keep out the world.

Here is a set of picket fence pictures I took recently while walking in Charleston:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/camas/sets/72157627095731544/

I love the pics 🙂

Gypsy Spirit

July 12, 2011

white picket fences have always reminded me of old times, and the fact they usually encompass beautiful old fashioned gardens full of various blooms does add a kind of romance to them also. hugs P

Enjoyed the photos. Very nice! The rose on the white picket fence is one of my favorite photos in that set, too. The white picket fences are so pretty, but I’m also a fan of the split rail fences, especially out here in the country. 🙂

lelis

July 13, 2011

Good fences make good neighbors, they say, and picket fences are truly good fences…open enough to see through, short enough to talk over, fine for corraling gardens or training vines and roses over and through…yet simple and “soft-spoken,” saying this side is mine and that side yours but let’s be friendly. I’ve seen your picket fences in Charleston and they are as wonderful as your pictures of them!

RYN – “Looking forward to hearing about your trip here” — thank you 🙂 See last entry… Picket-style fences abound in this area, at both older homes and new homes equally 🙂 They aren’t always white, but there are many beautiful, ornamental short fences integrated with lovely gardens, many naturalized. Lovely you share the links to photos of them there! A virtual local exhibit! 🙂

Ryn: can I see your survey? 🙂 I wanna try it.

Ryn: yes that entry was hinted to someone in my favs list, who insisted to know something I’m not prepared to tell. He even said I did promise to tell, which I never promise.

Ryn: its okay, I’ll wait till you’re ready 🙂

I love picket fences, and the photos.

Aragon

July 18, 2011

Where I grew up in Washington State, I always fell in love with the old houses with Picket fences. They have such a charm to them. Your pictures are so neat to look at and welcoming. We went to Charleston as kids with my parents and I remember how pretty it was. The porches also so welcoming…very pretty!

ryn – thank you! I too find the northern lights fascinating. We’re planning a trip to Norway or the Scottish Highlands, in fact, to see them in the next year or so 🙂