A well-landscaped garden is an aesthetically pleasing and functional space. Garden edging can help improve its appearance, whether used to delineate planting areas, prevent grass from spreading into unwanted areas or add a decorative element.
In this article, we'll look at the different types of garden edging, their advantages and disadvantages, and tips on how to install them correctly.
Why use garden edging?
Garden edging is a key element in landscaping. They have both aesthetic and functional functions.
From an aesthetic point of view, garden edgings help to define and structure the different areas of a garden, creating a beautiful visual harmony. They also enhance your flower beds, shrubs and trees, creating eye-catching settings.
In functional terms, garden edgings prevent the migration of materials such as soil, gravel, bark or wood shavings, and thus avoid landslides or settling. They also help maintain humidity around plants by preventing irrigation water from running off onto paths or lawns. What's more, they protect plants from weeds by preventing them from spreading into planting areas.
What to think about before choosing a border type
Before choosing a garden edging, it's important to consider a few factors that may influence your choice.
- The purpose of the edging: First, think about the purpose you want to achieve. Is it purely functional, like keeping mulch in place around your trees? Or are you looking for something more decorative to embellish your garden?
- Ground conditions: If your soil is full of rocks and roots, digging to install a border will be more difficult. If the soil is loose or sandy, you may need a sturdier border to keep gardening materials in place.
- Shapes and curves: The shape of your garden can also be a determining factor. If you have curves or angles in your garden, you'll need a border that can adapt without breaking or bending. A flexible bamboo or plastic edging is a good choice for these situations.
- Style and materials: There are many types of garden edging materials, such as stone, concrete, wood and metal, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some materials require a certain amount of expertise to install properly, while others are easier to install yourself. Also consider whether you want a garden edging that blends in with the decor or stands out from it.
- Fixing edgings: Edgings must be correctly fixed to prevent them from moving or sagging. Depending on the material, different types of fasteners may be required.
- Edging maintenance: Some edgings require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition. Depending on the material, maintenance may include cleaning, painting, treating or repairing.
- Durability of kerbs: It's important to choose kerbs that are resistant to weather and wear. Stone, galvanized steel and recycled rubber kerbs are generally considered durable.
The different types of garden edging
Garden edgings are available in a variety of materials, styles and colors. The most common types of edging are wood or bamboo; stone, brick or concrete; metal or plastic. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Garden ID has selected three types of edging:
Decorative metal edgings
Decorative metal borders can add a sophisticated touch to your garden. They are available in different shapes and heights, straight or semi-round, to frame a flower bed. They are weather-resistant and can be used to create beautifully delineated spaces.
Bamboo or willow borders
Bamboo or willow edging offers a natural, eco-friendly alternative to metal edging. These edgings are often simple and can be woven to give a more elaborate appearance. Less weather-resistant, they require regular maintenance.
"Eco" borders in recycled rubber
"Eco" borders made from recycled rubber are an ecological and affordable alternative. These lightweight kerbs are easy to install and weather-resistant.
Conclusio
Garden edging is an important element of landscaping and can help improve the appearance and functionality of your garden. By using the right materials and choosing the right style for your world, you can create a magical, functional outdoor space.
FAQ - The 5 most frequently asked questions about garden edgings
The choice of edging depends on several factors: the style of your garden, the material you prefer, the budget you have and the function you wish to give the edging. Decorative metal edgings are well suited to modern gardens, while bamboo or willow edgings may be more suited to natural or Asian gardens. Recycled rubber edging is an ecological and economical option. In short, you need to choose a border that blends in well with the style of your garden and fulfils its intended function.
To install garden edgings on uneven surfaces, it's important to prepare the ground well, levelling the area where you want to lay the edging as much as possible. You can also adjust the height of the edging by digging more or less deeply into the ground to obtain a straight line. If the terrain is very uneven, you can opt for flexible edgings that adapt easily to the shape of the ground.
The level of maintenance required for garden edging depends on the material used. Metal edgings are often durable and low-maintenance, but may require regular cleaning to remove dirt and rust. Bamboo and willow edgings may require weather protection and treatment with linseed oil to make them more resistant. Recycled rubber edgings are often highly weather-resistant and require no special maintenance.
Landscaped borders offer a number of advantages, including :
- They help define the different zones of your garden.
- They prevent weeds from spreading in your garden.
- They help preserve soil structure by preventing erosion.
- They enhance the visual aspect of your garden by framing flowerbeds or pathways.
To create beautiful garden edgings, it's important to prepare the ground properly, removing any weeds or stones that might get in the way. You also need to choose the right type of edging according to the aesthetic you want to give your garden. Finally, it's important to fix the edging securely by planting it firmly in the ground and regularly checking its level to prevent it from shifting over time.