Embodiments of the invention relate to the retention of fence mesh, fence wires and flexible screens to stakes, pickets and the like and which avoid the need for individual ties. In particular, in some embodiments the retention effect is provided by a slotted tube engaged around the stake or picket to provide retention over the full height of the stake or picket. In other embodiments the stake or picket is slotted to receive fence wires or the wires of fence mesh with locking means applied to the picket or stake to retain the wires in the slots.
