sunk fence
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A sunk fence is a type of boundary or barrier designed to be unobtrusive. It consists of a ditch with a retaining wall on one side. The primary purpose is to divide lands or contain livestock without creating a visual obstruction that would interrupt the view of the landscape.
Usage
A sunk fence is used in landscaping and estate planning to create an effective barrier that is largely invisible from a distance, preserving the aesthetic continuity of gardens, parks, or agricultural land. - It functions as a ha-ha or a sunken fence.
Examples
- The elegant garden was separated from the grazing sheep by a sunk fence, maintaining the illusion of an unbroken vista.
- To keep the deer out without spoiling the view, the landscaper recommended installing a sunk fence along the property line.
- The historical estate featured a sunk fence, which was a common 18th-century design to enclose grounds without visible fencing.
Advanced Usage
- Landscape Feature: In landscape architecture, a sunk fence is a key feature in the "English garden" or "picturesque" style, allowing for controlled vistas and the seamless integration of different land uses.
- Historical Context: The sunk fence (also known as a ) became popular in 18th-century England as part of the movement to create gardens that appeared to be natural extensions of the surrounding countryside.
Variants and Related Words
- Ha-ha (noun): A synonym for a sunk fence. It is a ditch with a wall on one side, serving as a boundary.
- Retaining wall (noun): A wall that holds back earth, forming one side of a sunk fence.
- Sunken fence (noun): An alternative name for a sunk fence.
Synonyms
- Ha-ha
- Sunken fence
- Ditch fence (less common)
Related Phrases/Idioms
There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs specifically using the term "sunk fence."
Noun
- a ditch with one side being a retaining wall; used to divide lands without defacing the landscape