There are many types of garden edging to choose from, so there's no surprise if you are overwhelmed. We've tried to make it easy by breaking down the pros and cons of the varieties to choose from.
Why You Need Garden Edging
There are many reasons why you should consider garden edging. Garden edging will not only improve the aesthetic of your garden, but it will also make maintenance tasks trouble-free and more efficient.
For garden beds nearing grass, edging separates the grass and the mulch. It creates crisp, clean cut lawn edges that makes mowing simple. Without separation, grass will continue to grow and creep into the garden bed, making your beds look untidy.
Garden edging adds a design element into your outdoor space. Edging delineates the garden beds from hardscaped or lawn areas. It looks smart and stylish whilst also creating distinct garden spaces. A well designed garden not only adds value to your home but also reduces garden maintenance tasks.
Corten Steel
Corten Steel is currently my personal favourite option for garden edging.
The industrial look is trending, which has seen a rise in the use of corten steel in gardens. When used in landscaping, corten steel adds interest and texture due to its natural weathering rustic look
Pros:
Excellent quality
Tested strength
Long life span
100% recyclable
Highly resistant to weather
Excellently withstands corrosion
Production requires less water & energy
Attractive in style and function
No need for paint
Very little maintenance
Can create attractive curved beds
Cons:
It is not entirely rustproof. If the steel never had a chance to dry out, it may cause corrosion. This is more likely to happen in gardens with poor drainage or in humid climates.
Rust can stain nearby areas, such as tiles or concrete. Most suppliers will offer steel that has had a pre-weathering treatment to reduce the amount of "bleeding" between 6 months to two years. After that, the steel should have developed its protective layer, helping to prevent staining.
We can recommend Tiny Anvil for Corten Steel.
Corten Steel edging for this garden designed by Sculpt Gardens
Pegged Timber Edging
Timber can be attractive in the right landscape, as it blends in and gives a natural feel.
Pros:
- Timber edging is relatively cheap & easy to install
Cons:
- Wood will eventually rot so opt for treated timber.
- Requires painting or staining and future maintenance to help withstand the environment
Railway Sleeper Edging
Railway sleeper edging is made from large rectangular timber slabs, and are an ideal cost-efficient option for creating a raised garden beds. Sleepers are a timeless way of making your garden look elegant.
Pros:
- Last longer than pegged timber
- Good insulating properties for vibration and noise
- Easy to install and maintain
- Can be replaced when rotten
Cons:
- Treated sleepers are not suitable for vegetable beds where the chemicals can leech into the produce - use untreated macrocarpa as an alternative.
- Can't create curved edges.
Image from Houzz
Poured Concrete
Concrete edging can match and complement the exterior of the house or create a feature in the landscape.
Pros:
- Lasts a very long time
- Suit many styles of gardens
- Used for architectural appeal
- Withstand environmental conditions
- Large variety or sizes, styles and colours
- Can create any shape
- Creates an excellent tidy mowing strip
Cons:
- Professional installation is required
- If used in the wrong landscape, these materials can give a bold and heavy feel to the garden
- Not suited for temporary gardens
- More expensive & consider extra costs due to site accessibility
Designed by Sculpt Gardens
Rocks
Rock edging can be suited to many garden styles and are particularly great for creating a naturalistic feel to your garden.
Pros:
- Can withstand extrement environment and weather conditions
- Last a very long time
- Complement most styles of gardens
- Excellent for creating a naturalistic feel
- Can be a stunning, subtle feature to your garden
Cons:
- Sometimes can give a bold and heavy feel to a garden
- Grass can grow between the rocks into the garden beds
- If using large rocks, installation can be difficult and costly if rocks are too heavy to carry.
Image from Pinterest
Cobble Stone
Cobble Stone can look great in many gardens. It gives a natural look whilst also being made from highly durable stone.
Pros:
- Long-lasting and strong
- They give a uniform look as they fit together like puzzle pieces
- Aesthetically attractive
Cons:
- Can look too "perfect" and formal in naturalistic gardens
Image from Ray Haluch Inc
Tiles
Tiles are available in many sizes, shapes and colours, making it easy to match your home's exterior.
Pros:
- They are weather resistant
- Easy to clean
- Certain types of tiles are resistant to staining, fading or cracking (eg porcelain)
- Adds a touch of elegance
Cons:
- Tiles can be expensive
- Some tiles such as porcelain are slippery when wet
Image taken at Melbourne Garden Show
Terrace Board
Terrace Board is a more environmentally friendly alternative to plastic edging. Although it is more expensive, it is recycled plastic which is much better for our Papatūānuku (Earth).
Pros:
- There are different styles. Some have a textured wooden appearance, whilst others are brown or black.
- Made from strong and recycled plastic
- Better for the environment compared to using plastic edging
- Can create curved garden beds
- Material is sturdy and weather proof
- Holds back mulch in heavy rain
Cons:
- Will eventually need to be resupported
- Stakes can deform in the heat, but you can purchase more
- Can be difficult to install yourself
- It needs to be left in the sun, straightened out, prior to installing
- Can warp, bend and expand in heat
Image from Strol
Treated Roll
This is a good option for those who want a quick, easy and cost-efficient option for edging. This edging comes in a roll and can be easily installed yourself.
Pros:
- Quick and easy installation
- Good price
- ACQ treated for durability
- Edging sits on the ground
- Can be stained or painted
Cons:
- Can look cheap
- Will rot over time
Image from Get Growing
Hopefully, this blog has helped give you some ideas and suggestions about what type of garden edging is best suited for your garden. If you would love some assistance with your landscape design, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our garden designers at Sculpt Gardens here. We would love to help create your dream garden!
