Garden edging refers to the borders of a garden, used to section off areas and define spaces for plants. This is a very popular practice for its practical benefits. Edging a garden bed allows for easy organisation, giving the gardener control over what grows where. It also carries aesthetic appeal and will make the garden appear neater. Design features that are possible with the installation of garden edging include islands, voids, sections, rooms, and rows.
Edging a garden with the right materials will also help to keep your plants healthy. A garden bed can deter grass shoots from sprouting where they are unwanted, limit the presence of weeds in the garden, and help with the watering process as the plants inside a garden bed do not have to compete as hard for nourishment. Garden beds will also reduce soil spillage onto the regular ground, keeping the appearance of your lawn neat and orderly.
With a garden bed also comes the opportunity for design. Current garden beds will often take advantage of the shape of their borders by installing paths or trails to guide the casual walker on a tour of the garden. Segmented gardens are also gaining popularity, with huge swaths of a specific flower or plant pattern often being contained in the one island. This allows for the gardener to grow a variety of plants with ease. A beautiful garden aesthetic is possible with a sectioned garden like this one, and choosing the right material for your garden borders is crucial.
Natural stone is one of the most popular lawn edging materials for its fairy-tale quality and enduring strength. Timber and brick pavers are also some of the most popular choices of the moment, though plastic has recently become a rising star due to its practicality (cheap, strong, and you can purchase recycled plastic to limit environmental concerns).
When considering installing lawn edging, there are a few factors to weigh. Firstly, the purpose of the edging; are you prioritizing the practicality of minimizing soil spill or limiting weeds? Or are you more interested in the potential design applications of a beautiful material such as reclaimed timber? Next, try to narrow down the specific aesthetic you wish to create in the garden.
Perhaps a bold contemporary material like metal, concrete or steel will contrast nicely with the lush natural foliage of your garden. Once you have selected a few possible material options, the best strategy is to consult your budget and make the final decision based on your desires as informed by the material affordability.
There are a huge variety of garden edging styles, types, materials and designs. To help you gain some inspiration for your own garden remodel, here is a list of the fifteen most beautiful garden bed choices.
Garden Edging Ideas: Ten Cheap and Flexible Materials for Lawn Edging
10. Sleepers
A sleeper is a large, rectangular piece of sawn timber (usually recycled) which has a multitude of applications both in gardening and general construction. Sleepers are rough and tend not to be refined to specific dimensions, but they have an undeniable rugged appeal that makes them a popular choice for lawn edging, steps, paths, and even retaining walls.
09. Blocks
Blocks are a popular choice for raised garden beds, often chosen for their help with soil drainage and retention. Interlocking blocks are easier to install than brick, as they require no mortar for binding. This makes them an easy DIY project.
However, the fact that they are not bound together can dissuade some from their use as the integrity of the raised garden wall would be challenged against pressure or force.
08. Metal
Metal garden beds often come already intact and you can purchase a fully intact raised metal garden bed here from Bunnings for relatively cheap. Rusted metal such as corten steel is also a very popular choice for its aesthetic value, as it tones nicely with the earthy appearance of a lush garden. Metal garden beds are extremely durable and can easily last up to twenty years before needing replacement.
07. Concrete
Concrete edging is popular for its extreme durability and low maintenance. Concrete garden beds will stay immaculate for many decades. There are various types, colours and styles of concrete available. However, concrete is a difficult material to work with and DIY is not recommended.
06. Recycled Plastic
Recycled plastic is one of the most practical options for garden edging available. It is flexible, durable, and environmentally friendly. Plastic is resistant to termites, will not rot, and is available for the cheapest prices out of any material on this list. However, the price will climb if you choose to look for a stylish plastic.
05. Aluminium
Lightweight, durable and stylish, aluminium is a popular garden bed choice. Like plastic, it is flexible and can be curved to suit the design. Aluminium also does not rust, making it one of the best metals for outdoor use.
04. Sandstone
Sandstone is a beautiful and classic alternative to contemporary materials. It is durable and comes in many colours and hues, giving you control over the aesthetic appearance of your lawn. The main draw of sandstone is its timeless beauty.
03. Timber
Timber is easily one of the most popular choices for a garden edge. It provides a sturdy base while also blending in with the surrounding natural materials. Timber needs to be treated to prevent rot or insect damage, but once this is completed it is a very reliable and beautiful organic material.
02. Brick
Photo: Denneen custom homes, featured on Earth Easy
Another classic choice for a garden wall, brick has long history of outdoor use. Brick pavers make for excellent paths, and laid brick is a solid foundation for a raised garden bed or garden wall. Brick is undoubtedly one of the best options for a traditional look.
01. Stones
Stone walls are another choice for sturdy and reliable garden edging. They have a little more magic to their appearance than brick, and they create a rustic, fairy-tale garden aesthetic sure to delight your guests. Natural stone can be fairly expensive but for those with the budget, it is undeniably worth the cost.
