Carolina Fence^TM Garden

As members of the South Carolina Wildlife Federation's W.A.I.T.™ (Wildlife And Industry Together) team traveled to sites around the state, they explored the ways in which a simple landscape element could incorporate native and historical values. They were also eager to attract native species to habitats, while providing a landscape element that could be adapted to most any public or private setting. As a result of their discussions, the Carolina Fence™ was born.

Utilizing some very basic elements, the Carolina Fence™ incorporates both natural and cultural elements, which have been designated as symbols of our state. The Carolina Fence™ is a landscape component that can be adapted to a variety of settings. The Fence can function as a valuable habitat element while showcasing symbols of natural and cultural history. Most importantly, as a habitat device, the Fence has the ability to attract and support native animal species.

Creating your own Carolina Fence™
So simple, yet filled with natural value, the Carolina Fence™ is a concept that involves plantings and landscaping materials that are readily found in local garden shops and nurseries.
The split rail fence represents a commonly used device by South Carolinians in the late 1800's and early 1900's as farmers and landowners responded to the new laws that called for fencing in live stock. You will need two or more 6 to 12 foot sections for your Carolina Fence™. It can be laid out in "snake fashion" with no vertical posts, or as a post and rail fence.
Yellow Jessamine can easily be trained across the split rail fence to form a dense and attractive year-round foliage cover. This species is an easily cultivated perennial vine that does best in sunny locations. The Yellow Jessamine, an evergreen vine and indigenous throughout South Carolina, has been celebrated for its showy yellow flowers in March that herald the coming of spring. In addition, the fragrant flowers are a first annual source of nectar to many of our desirable native insects such as butterflies and bees as they stir from their over-wintering sites.
A Carolina Wren House, mounted on the fence or on a post nearby, creates a home for our state bird. Wrens are one of the most common visitors to backyards and readily adapt to man made nest boxes. They are also very comfortable being in close proximity to humans. Their activities are a joy to watch and their song is a very pleasant backyard tune. (Please note that Carolina wrens have a larger body size and require a larger entrance hole, so if you want them to nest in your house make sure to select the Carolina style.) You can build your own Carolina Wren house or purchase one from the SCWF.

Blue Granite, the official Stone of South Carolina, adds another aesthetic and official state symbol to your Carolina Fence™. Plus, butterflies will love to bask in the sun on it!

Indian Grass, Sorgastrum nutans, is our State Grass. The flowers are often visited by bees, and birds love the seeds. The foliage is also often used for grazing by other wildlife.

Native Wildflowers in a mulched plant-bed around your fence can be very attractive to the official state butterfly, the Tiger Swallowtail. The Garden Club of South Carolina has identified this butterfly species to be of particular interest to South Carolinians because it serves as a pollinator in orchards and gardens.

Our State Wildflower, Goldenrod, (Solidago spp.) is a great food source for many different kinds of wildlife. It has beautiful flowers that provide nectar for butterflies and bees. The seeds are eaten by Goldfinches and other birds.

* The Carolina Fence™ concept was developed by these W.A.I.T.™ partners: SCWF, SCDNR, Duke Power, and National Wild Turkey Federation in cooperation with The Garden Club of South Carolina.

Getting Your Wildlife Habitat Certified
For recognition as a certified wildlife habitat, certain basic requirements must be met. All habitats, regardless of size must provide for food, water, cover, and places to raise young. To turn your Carolina Fence™ into a complete wildlife habitat, you will need to have a source of water. This can be as simple as adding a bird bath or a more involved procedure, such as creating a small pond in your yard. Once you meet all of the requirements, you can get your habitat garden certified as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat™. For a Carolina Fence™ Garden at a school, it can be certified as a Schoolyard Habitat

Carolina Fence™ Garden Resources

Sample garden designs with plant lists:
Small Garden Design
Large Garden Design

Complete List of Native Plants Valuable to Wildlife

eNature.coms' New Native Gardening and Invasive Plants Guide

Plans for a Carolina Wren Nesting Box

SC Native Plant Nurseries

Annual Care Calendar

Estimated Costs of a Carolina Fence Garden

Blue Granite Source: (for schools)
Project Leader - Gary Taylor
Geologic Mapping-Piedmont
Geologic Survey/SCDNR
5 Geology Road, Columbia, SC 29210
(803) 896-7708