I cannot believe that I am still getting feedback from those articles dealing with landscaping, seems I just didn’t realise so many people needed help with exteriors. So today, I’ve decided to make some exterior suggestions based on my observations. This time it’s your perimeter or exterior fencing/walls.

We live in the tropics, which means lots of rain and even more sunshine, so when choosing finishes for the exterior we have to be sure that those finishes can withstand harsh conditions. Most people’s first choice would probably be cut stone, but that is a VERY expensive alternative (could cost you more than the house) and therefore not suitable for this forum. A lot of people choose to paint their outside walls, but I would suggest that you stop and think before you choose that option, because paint just does not wear well outdoors; if you choose a colour, it will burn out in the sun, if you choose a light colour or whites it will need constant repainting because of dirt and wear. If you opt for paint be sure that you buy exterior paint because these paints are meant for exposure to the elements and can therefore withstand the harsh weather, but I would, however, suggest a wall finish that doesn’t require paint.

1. Pebble Dash Wall Finish. This is that rough cement finish that is achieved by mixing small pebbles with cement, and this mixture is then splashed/thrown onto the wall. The great thing about this option is that it is textured and therefore does not need to be painted. Moreover, its rough texture is great for security because let’s face it, a thief is bound to be thoroughly bruised trying to scale that fence.

2. Ivy Covered Wall Finish. One great thing about our weather is that plants thrive, and crawling ivy is no exception. This option will take just about a year to completely cover your wall but will probably last a lifetime and is very easy to plant. Just get a starter piece from a friend, allow roots to get fairly long, plant it close to the wall, care it and watch it grow, then wait for a friend to ask you for a starter piece.

3. Hedging. Bougainvilleas are a wonderful option for our climate but there are countless others, but build a half wall about three feet high (you need not do more than render it) then plant the hedging of your choice up against the wall and watch it grow. This option can also be a great security alternative if you choose a plant with thorns, because this will deter anyone hiding or climbing it.

There are countless other, but these are fast, inexpensive options that you can probably do yourself, so consider them when building or refurbishing your wall.