Edging is a great option if you wish to provide your garden with that finished, well-defined look.
Apart from a nice division between your lawn and garden beds, edging helps prevent invading grass from spreading into your flower beds.
Fortunately, you are qualified to do this job on your own. This tutorial will lead you through all you need to know about putting garden edging so your yard will look its very best.
Choosing the Right Garden Edging Material
The first choice you must make is choosing the material for your garden edging. This comes before diving into the actual installation.
There are several choices available, each with advantages and drawbacks. You should choose one that fits your garden’s look as well as the degree of maintenance you want.
You can choose a classic, timeless design with conventional brick or stone edging. If you want a rustic appeal, brick is especially good.
Stone offers a more natural, earthy feel. Given their longevity and robustness, both are a wise purchase. Still, they can take somewhat more time to install than certain other materials.
Metal edging is a fantastic option if you want something more contemporary and elegant. Though practically undetectable and thin, it is quite successful in producing a neat division.
The downside is if neglected, it can corrode over time. So, bear that in mind while deciding on your maintenance requirements.
Wooden garden edging is ideal for individuals who would want a softer, more natural feel. It fits quite well with the surroundings.
However, it does need regular maintenance since over lengthy periods of time wood deteriorates in response to the environment. Think about applying a protective sealer or utilising treated wood to increase the lifetime.
Plastic or rubber edging is easy to install and requires minimal upkeep. First-time gardeners or anybody searching for a quick remedy also find it to be reasonably priced. Its visual attractiveness is less than that of natural materials like stone or wood, though.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Once you have chosen your edging material, compile the required materials:
- The edging material you selected;
- An edging spade or shovel;
- If utilising metal or wood, a mallet or hammer;
- A level to guarantee consistent installation;
- Landscape fabric for weed control (optional);
- Stakes or pegs (should one be employing flexible or plastic edging).
Having everything on hand before you begin will save you time and effort. Nothing compares to the annoyance of knowing mid-project that you lack a vital tool.
Preparing the Ground for Edging
First, mark the edge where you wish your garden beds to be. To lay down the curve or straight line you’re hoping for, use a garden hose, spray paint or even thread.
One common error is underestimating the required space. So, give yourself some extra area to operate on.
Mark the area then dig a trench along the line using your shovel or edging spade.
4-6 inches deep should be plenty for most materials, but there’s a chance you have to dig deeper for bigger stones or bricks.
If you are worried about weeds invading your edging, think about running landscape fabric at the trench’s bottom.
This will be a barrier, stopping any unwelcome expansion from ruining your tidy garden boundaries.
Installing the Edging
The laying technique will differ depending on the material you have selected, but overall the processes are somewhat similar.
For brick or stone, carefully lay your bricks or stones into the trench so that each one is straight. This is when your level will come in handy.
Don’t skip this stage since uneven edging will make your entire garden look disorganised.
Once all of your bricks or stones are in place, backfill the trench with dirt or sand to guarantee stability and security.
If you are using wooden planks, set them in and fasten them with a mallet or hammer from underneath.
Stake or peg to clearly separate your grass from the garden bed. Make sure the top of the wood sits somewhat above ground level.
Like brick and stone, fill the trench to guarantee the wood is firmly in place.
If you work with curved edges, the flexible nature of metal or plastic materials could be advantageous.
Make sure the metal or plastic edge is parallel to the ground when installing it. Driving in the stakes or pegs with a hammer will help to firmly set them in.
Additionally, some plastic edging comes with a built-in lip to help keep it in place.
Securing the Edging
You have to ensure your edging stays there once it is in place, especially after the first heavy rain or windstorm. Nobody likes to see their hard work go to waste.
Backfill the trench with dirt, mulch, or small gravel to provide your edging with more security.
This not only keeps the edging in place, but also facilitates drainage. This works by preventing water from accumulating around it and driving its movement.
In addition, a rubber mallet will help you gently tap down materials like stone or brick so they are level and stable.
Don’t forget to double-check that all the stakes or pegs in any plastic or metal work are firmly in the ground.
Finishing Touches and Maintenance
Now that your garden edging is in place, appreciate your efforts. To keep it looking fantastic for years to come, though, here are some actions to consider.
Spend some time first bordering your lawn. This will produce a neat, clear line separating the grass from the garden bed.
If you have utilised natural materials such as stone or wood, think about giving them a protective sealer. This will enable them to resist bad weather conditions.
Every few months, you should check your garden edge as part of your normal house care. Materials like wood can wear with time, while bricks could slink slightly, especially following heavy rain or snow.
Early resolution of these little problems helps to avoid more major ones.
Why Garden Edging is a Must for House Maintenance
While this installation is great for visual enhancement, it can also contribute to the general maintenance of your property.
Edging saves time and effort in garden maintenance by helping you keep grass and weeds out of your flower beds.
It also helps to define your outdoor areas, improving the deliberate and orderly look of your yard.
Moreover, having a distinct line helps you avoid unintentionally destroying your flowers or plants when you mow the grass.
If you ever choose to sell your house, a well-kept garden will improve curb appeal and likely raise the value of your house.
Conclusion
Isn’t it lovely when you go into a garden and you see different beds with different types of flowers? It gives this colourful, well-maintained look we all enjoy.
Despite our extremely helpful guidelines, we know this task can still leave you out of breath and covered in dirt.
Consider hiring a house maintenance services to do all your “dirty work.” Don’t fret, it won’t take too long. All in all, it’s just another brick in your garden.